Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s enigmatic striker, is reportedly on the verge of an Anfield exit, but not without turning heads first. According to sources, the Uruguayan has snubbed a lucrative approach from Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal, despite being ‘ready to leave’ the Reds this summer.
Nunez, who arrived at Liverpool from Benfica in a blockbuster €75m (£64m) deal, has failed to fully justify his hefty price tag. With just five goals in 30 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, his time under new manager Arne Slot has been underwhelming. Despite Liverpool’s dominant Premier League title win in Slot’s debut season, Nunez found himself largely sidelined, starting only eight league games.
The 25-year-old’s struggles at Anfield stand in stark contrast to his prolific spell at Benfica, where he netted 48 goals in 85 matches. Now, with his future up in the air, a summer transfer seems increasingly inevitable.
Reports emerged on Sunday that Al Hilal, after being rebuffed in their pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, turned their attention to Nunez as part of a quartet of Premier League stars. However, transfer journalist Nicolo Schira revealed on Monday that the Liverpool striker has rejected the Saudi club’s advances. Nunez’s priority, it seems, is to remain in Europe, though Liverpool are reportedly willing to part ways with him for around €55m (£46.3m).
As Liverpool brace for a transformative summer, new arrivals are already making waves. Jeremie Frimpong has officially joined the Reds, and rumors are swirling that his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz, could follow suit. On the flip side, several key players, including Harvey Elliott, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Ibrahima Konate, face uncertain futures at the club.
Elliott, in particular, has been vocal about his frustrations. The 22-year-old, who made just 18 appearances last season, recently admitted he doesn’t want to waste the prime years of his career on the bench. “I need to reflect and see if I’m content with my current role,” Elliott stated. “My career is short, and I need to be the best version of myself. If that means leaving, it’s a decision I’ll have to make.”
As the transfer window heats up, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s squad is on the brink of major changes. With Nunez’s departure looming and a wave of new talent potentially arriving, the Reds are poised for a summer of both upheaval and opportunity.
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