Ex-Liverpool star Darwin Núñez announced as Al Hilal’s new signing

Al Hilal, a prominent Saudi club in the Saudi Pro League, officially announced the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, 26, from Liverpool after three seasons. The transfer, finalized for €53 million (approximately R$336.3 million), was confirmed on the morning of August 7, 2025, following intense negotiations. Núñez, who scored 40 goals in 143 games for the Reds, is expected in Riyadh for medical examinations and to sign a three-year contract. The move reflects the club’s strategy to attract elite European talent, under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi. Núñez’s departure, after an inconsistent spell at Anfield, also allows Liverpool to invest in new players, such as Alexander Isak.

The deal gained momentum after Al Hilal’s interest in strengthening their attacking lineup. The club, runners-up in the last Saudi season, saw Núñez as the ideal fit to compete at a high level.

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Uma publicação compartilhada por نادي الهلال السعودي (@alhilal)

• Transfer details: €53 million, with potential bonuses up to €65 million.
• Contract: Three-year agreement with Al Hilal.
• Timeline: Medical exams scheduled in Riyadh in the coming days.

The Uruguayan, a product of Peñarol, had drawn interest from clubs like Napoli and Al Nassr but opted for Al Hilal’s ambitious project.

New addition to the Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal reinforces its status as a leading Saudi club with Darwin Núñez’s arrival. The €53 million signing marks a milestone for the Saudi Pro League, which aims to solidify its global relevance. Under Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan, the club plans a formidable attack, pairing Núñez with stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marcos Leonardo. The strategy focuses on dominating the domestic league and shining in continental competitions, such as the AFC Champions League.

Núñez’s interest was not new. In January 2025, Al Nassr offered €70 million, but Liverpool declined, prioritizing their Premier League campaign. Now, with approval from coach Arne Slot, the sale was completed, allowing Liverpool to balance their finances after significant transfer window spending.

• Al Hilal’s goal: Strengthen the attack for the 2025/26 season.
• Star-studded squad: Includes players like Rúben Neves, João Cancelo, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
• Competition: Napoli and Milan tried to sign Núñez but couldn’t match the Saudi offer.
• Financial impact: Liverpool plans to reinvest in new forwards.

The transfer aligns with Liverpool’s overhaul, having already spent around £250 million on signings like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Darwin Núñez’s career path

Darwin Núñez began his career at Peñarol, where he emerged as a young talent in Uruguay. His stints at Almería in Spain and Benfica in Portugal cemented his reputation as a promising striker. In 2022, Liverpool paid €100 million (including bonuses) to bring him from Benfica, expecting him to replace Sadio Mané. Despite standout moments, like scoring twice against Brentford in January 2025, Núñez struggled with consistency.

In the last season, he scored just seven goals in 47 games, starting only eight matches in the Premier League-winning campaign. His 11.1% conversion rate fell below the average for top strikers, drawing criticism. Still, Núñez won fans with his effort and key goals, like in the 2022 Community Shield on his Reds debut.

The player expressed a desire to leave Liverpool since early 2025, seeking new challenges. Al Hilal’s offer, with a three-year contract and an estimated weekly salary of €746,000, sealed his decision.

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Al Hilal’s market strategy

Al Hilal has made headlines with high-profile signings, attracting players in their prime. Núñez’s arrival bolsters the club’s ambition, which already features stars like Neymar, despite his injury-hit spell. The Saudi Pro League, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to rival top European leagues, and Núñez’s signing is a step in that direction.

• Previous investments: Players like Neymar, Mitrovic, and Cancelo.
• Renowned coach: Simone Inzaghi leads the squad’s overhaul.
• Goals: Saudi Pro League title and AFC Champions League success.
• Squad changes: Key departures to make room for new talent.

Al Hilal’s pre-season in Germany will be Núñez’s first chance to integrate with the squad. He is expected to be ready for the 2025/26 season opener.

Liverpool’s transfer moves

Núñez’s sale is part of Liverpool’s financial strategy to fund ambitious signings. The club has already invested in players like Florian Wirtz (£116 million) and Hugo Ekitike (£79 million), while pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak for £110 million. Núñez’s exit, alongside sales of Luis Díaz (£65.5 million) and Tyler Morton (£15 million), helps balance the books.

The decision to let Núñez go reflects his struggles to adapt to Arne Slot’s tactical system. Despite promises of a central role, his 2024/25 season fell short of expectations. Liverpool now seeks a replacement with technical quality and market value, with Isak as the top target.

• Liverpool’s spending: Around £250 million on new signings.
• Recent sales: Díaz, Morton, and possibly Harvey Elliott.
• Main target: Alexander Isak, valued at £150 million by Newcastle.

Impact on Saudi football

Núñez’s arrival elevates the Saudi Pro League’s profile, which has already attracted stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The league has invested in infrastructure, marketing, and signings to gain global visibility. Núñez, a young player with elite experience, reinforces the narrative of Saudi football’s growth.

Al Hilal, runners-up last season, bets on Núñez to lead the attack alongside Mitrovic. Saudi fans, known for their passion, are already buzzing on social media, anticipating a lethal offensive duo. The signing also intensifies the rivalry with Al Nassr, which previously pursued Núñez.

• League growth: The Saudi Pro League attracts more elite players.
• Rivalry: Al Hilal vs. Al Nassr gains a new chapter with Núñez.
• Fanbase: High expectations for a dominant Al Hilal season.
• Global appeal: Signings like Núñez boost international interest.

Núñez’s future in Saudi Arabia

At 26, Núñez joins Al Hilal at the peak of his career, with potential to become a league standout. His speed, physicality, and finishing ability align with Inzaghi’s fast, transition-based attacking style. Adapting to Saudi football, however, will be a challenge, especially given the pressure for immediate results.

Núñez will have the chance to work with an experienced squad and a top coach, which could help him regain the confidence lost at Anfield. His official debut will depend on completing medicals and integrating during pre-season.

• Playing style: Núñez fits Inzaghi’s offensive system.
• Challenges: Adapting to Saudi football’s climate and culture.
• Expectations: Goals and leadership in Al Hilal’s attack.