Former Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez looks set for an unexpected transfer just months after joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the summer for a fee reportedly worth up to £56.5 million.
Nunez spent three years at Liverpool after joining from Benfica for a minimum of £65 million. Despite scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances, he struggled to meet expectations in England. He nearly left last January, but manager Arne Slot opted to retain him while Liverpool were still competing on four fronts. Nunez did produce crucial moments, including two stoppage-time goals against Brentford, but his playing time gradually decreased as Liverpool went on to win the Premier League.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Nunez has registered five goals and two assists in 11 games but has faced injury issues, particularly with his knees. Now, just months after joining Al-Hilal, he is reportedly being linked with another move. According to Argentine outlet Ole, River Plate have been offered the chance to sign Nunez, though talks are understood to have only reached an initial stage. The club reportedly has around £14 million available in this transfer window.
River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo is reportedly interested, and while a permanent deal may be difficult, the Argentine giants are open to a loan arrangement. Nunez remains under contract at Al-Hilal until 2028, and this isn’t the first time he has been linked with a move away. Back in November, former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly even suggested Nunez would be an ideal signing for his former club.
Meanwhile, Nunez’s replacement at Liverpool, Alexander Isak, scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds in their 2-0 win over West Ham. After a challenging start at Anfield, his composed finish at the London Stadium helped secure an important victory. Isak had previously scored in the Carabao Cup, but breaking his league duck will come as a major relief.
Fitness and injuries have hindered Isak’s performances compared to his Newcastle form last season. Hugo Ekitike, another high-profile summer signing, made only a 23-minute appearance from the bench, while talisman Mohamed Salah also remained unused. With so many attacking options, Arne Slot will face mounting pressure to manage his forwards effectively in the coming weeks.
