Saudi Pro League side launch surprise move to sign Darwin Nunez from Liverpool - Reports
According to a report from Anfield Watch, Saudi Pro League (SPL) side Al Hilal have launched a surprise bid to sign under-fire Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez. While multiple SPL sides have showcased their interest in signing the Uruguayan attacker, the defending champions are believed to be the most eager to bring him in.
Nunez joined Liverpool from Portuguese giants Benfica for a reported £64 million fee in the summer of 2022. Although he has showcased moments of brilliance in his time with the Reds, he has not lived up to the hefty price tag thus far.
His overall record for the Merseysiders is under par, with 37 goals and 21 assists in 122 appearances across all competitions. Recent rumours have suggested that the club might be looking to sell him in the January transfer window, with the SPL emerging as a likely destination.
Due to their impressive performances in the 2023-24 campaign, Al Hilal will be participating in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season. The Blue Waves are reportedly intent on upgrading multiple areas of their squad before the showcase tournament.
A major factor in this transfer saga could be Nunez's great relationship with Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus. The 25-year-old racked up 32 goals and 14 assists in 66 games under the Portuguese tactician at Benfica.
It is being reported that Hilal are even willing to part ways with marquee Brazilian forward Neymar in order to fund a move for Nunez. The 32-year-old recently returned from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but was sidelined with a hamstring niggle after just two appearances.
Given Neymar's injury history and Nunez's strong connection with Jesus, a move to Al Hilal could be on the horizon for the Liverpool attacker.
"You've got to do better" - Liverpool legend launches scathing attack on under-fire forward Darwin Nunez
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler launched a stinging attack at embattled forward Darwin Nunez after the Reds' 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup.
The Uruguayan has been in and out of Arne Slot's lineup this season, with four goals and four assists in 26 appearances (14 starts) across all competitions. Although he assisted Diogo Jota's opener against Stanley, he missed two big chances and registered just one shot on target (via FotMob).
Prior to the game, Fowler lashed out at Nunez, claiming he could not believe how the 25-year-old was still at Anfield. In ITV's pre-match coverage, the 49-year-old said (via liverpool.com):
"You've got to score goals, you've got to perform better, you've got to do better in that shirt. The more I see him, the more I think he's not a Liverpool player."
After the game, Fowler drew comparisons between Nunez and 18-year-old goalscorer Jayden Danns, claiming that the former should learn from the latter. He said:
"As a young kid, his (Danns') attitude is excellent and I think he has got a little bit of everything. I actually think Nunez can learn something from him and the fact he wants to get into the box and score."
Up next, Liverpool will take on Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest on January 14.
