Darwin Núñez’s Exit Signals Change for Liverpool
Darwin Núñez’s time at Liverpool is officially over. The club has agreed to sell the Uruguayan striker to Al Hilal for an initial €53 million—about £46.2 million—with further add-ons potentially taking the deal up to €65 million. This brings a quick end to Núñez’s stint at Anfield, where his performances always sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Brought in from Benfica in 2022 for a hefty £64 million fee, Núñez arrived with plenty of hype and hopes of leading Liverpool’s attack to the next level. He managed to produce flashes of brilliance, netting 40 goals in 143 games. But things took a turn last season. Liverpool, under new management and enjoying a run to the Premier League title, didn’t lean as much on Núñez as expected. Instead, his role faded in the background, and frustration started to show both on and off the pitch.
Núñez reportedly wasn’t shy about pushing for a move, especially early in 2025, and his wishes have finally materialized. Al Hilal, long rumored to have big-money intentions in football, shoved aside Napoli’s earlier bid by stumping up better payment terms and matching Liverpool’s asking price. Núñez now gets the fresh start he wanted, flying to Germany for a medical before heading out to Saudi Arabia’s fast-rising Pro League.
Liverpool’s Urgent Hunt for a New Striker
Liverpool’s transfer team are wasting no time. Losing Núñez leaves an obvious void in the squad—someone to lead the line and carry the scoring burden. The club aimed high when they tabled a £110 million offer, plus add-ons, to Newcastle for Alexander Isak. But Newcastle sat tight, signaling they wouldn’t let go of their top forward unless a massive offer—think £150 million—and a replacement came through the door. For now, Isak stays put in the northeast, and Liverpool’s search continues.
Who else could Liverpool turn to? Names are circulating, but the club’s strategy is clear: any player coming in must be ready to play a major role from day one. There’s no time for projects or back-up options when the goals need replacing now. This is a critical moment in Liverpool’s transfer window—a big buy could shape the next era.
But not all the focus is on external signings. Behind the scenes, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha is starting to attract attention with his sharp displays in pre-season. Coaches are seeing flashes of star quality, and there’s talk that Ngumoha could be set for a fast-track to the first team if he keeps up his form. It’s a reminder that youthful energy still has a place at one of England’s biggest clubs, especially when the transfer market gets complicated.
While Núñez gets set for a new chapter with Al Hilal and big wages in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool’s board and fans turn their attention to what comes next. Losses like this aren’t easy to brush aside, and everyone knows it’s not just about the transfer fee—replacing the goals matters more than the money. Liverpool’s next move on the striker market could decide how they compete, not just this season, but for years ahead. The chase for the right forward continues, with Darwin Núñez watching events unfold from afar, in a very different football world.
