Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, is reportedly eyeing up to sign Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as part of their preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The interest stems from their failure to secure Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, prompting them to target Núñez as a key alternative. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on recent reports:
- Interest and Timing: Al-Hilal is pushing to sign Núñez during the current transfer window, which opened on June 1, 2025, to bolster their squad for the Club World Cup. The club is said to be ready to make a significant move, with Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà noting Núñez as a prime target if the Osimhen deal collapses, which recent reports suggest is likely.
- Financial Power: Al-Hilal has substantial financial resources, reportedly with a budget exceeding £500 million, initially allocated for a potential Mohamed Salah transfer. This financial muscle allows them to pursue high-profile players like Núñez, with earlier reports indicating they were willing to offer wages of around £29 million per year for the Uruguayan striker.
- Liverpool’s Stance: Liverpool appears open to selling Núñez, with the club setting an £85 million price tag on the striker. This openness is driven by Núñez’s underwhelming performance under manager Arne Slot, where he scored only seven goals in 47 appearances during the 2024-25 season, starting just 17 matches. His struggles and a suspension from international duty following a Copa América incident have fueled speculation about his future.
- Previous Interest: Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Núñez is not new. Reports from January 2025 highlighted their interest, with head coach Jorge Jesus, who previously coached Núñez at Benfica, keen on a reunion. Posts on X from early 2025 also mentioned Al-Hilal’s serious consideration of the striker, indicating a sustained effort to secure his signature.
- Context and Competition: Al-Hilal’s aggressive transfer strategy is partly motivated by their desire to make a statement at the Club World Cup, where they will face strong opponents like Real Madrid. In addition to Núñez, they have been linked with other high-profile players like Bruno Fernandes and Aleksandar Mitrović, though Fernandes rejected a move. Liverpool’s willingness to sell Núñez, compared to their reluctance to part with Luis Díaz, suggests they see him as less integral to their plans.
- Current Sentiment on X: Posts on X reflect ongoing buzz about the transfer, with users like @AnfieldSector and @indykaila reporting on June 5-6, 2025, that Al-Hilal is “pushing hard” for Núñez and has opened talks. These posts, while not definitive, indicate strong interest from the Saudi club and align with web reports about Liverpool’s openness to a deal.
- Critical Perspective: While Al-Hilal’s financial offers are lucrative, Núñez’s potential move raises questions about his fit in the Saudi Pro League versus his aspirations to compete at Europe’s highest level. His inconsistent form at Liverpool could suggest a fresh start elsewhere might benefit him, but the move could also be seen as a step away from top-tier European football. The transfer’s success hinges on Núñez’s willingness to join, as seen in the collapsed Osimhen talks, where the player’s agreement was a sticking point.
In summary, Al-Hilal is aggressively pursuing Darwin Núñez with significant financial backing, capitalizing on Liverpool’s openness to sell due to his lacklustre season. The transfer remains speculative, as no agreement has been confirmed, and Núñez’s decision will be pivotal.