Darwin Nunez Moves Closer to Liverpool Exit with £50m Bid Expected – Report

Darwin Núñez in Saudi Sights as Liverpool Consider Next Steps

Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool future appears increasingly uncertain, with fresh reports suggesting Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli are now weighing up a formal bid for the Uruguayan forward.

According to The Liverpool Echo, Al Ahli are the latest club from the Gulf region showing interest in Núñez, following previous links to Napoli earlier in the window. That deal ultimately failed to materialise, but interest from the Middle East seems to be intensifying.

Paul Joyce of The Times reports that Al Ahli, the reigning AFC Champions League winners and one of four Saudi clubs backed by the nation’s Public Investment Fund, are “considering” a move for Núñez. The club have already landed high-profile players such as Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin, as well as former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino.

However, with Firmino leaving Al Ahli last week to join Al Sadd SC in Qatar, a vacancy now exists that Núñez could potentially fill. As The Liverpool Echo highlights, “if Nunez ends up joining Al Ahli, he could end up replacing his former Anfield team-mate.”

Photo: IMAGO

Struggles Under Slot Spark Transfer Speculation

Last season marked a turning point in Núñez’s Liverpool career. After initially arriving from Benfica in 2022 for a reported £64 million, the striker found opportunities limited under Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp in May 2024.

As The Liverpool Echo points out, “Nunez, 26, started just one of Liverpool’s final 22 games in the Premier League,” with that solitary start coming in a 3-1 win over Southampton in March. Instead, Slot preferred the more fluid system with Luis Diaz.

The tragic passing of Diogo Jota in July has inevitably left an emotional void at Anfield, yet Liverpool’s recruitment strategy remains firmly forward-looking. Whether Núñez remains a part of those plans is now up for debate.

Al Ahli’s Recruitment Strategy Makes Sense

Al Ahli’s pursuit of Núñez aligns with their broader transfer ambitions. Their aggressive approach in the Saudi market is underpinned by financial power and a clear strategy of signing players with international pedigree. Firmino’s departure opens a natural role for a striker with Premier League and Champions League experience, and Núñez fits that profile.

Crucially, the forward has shown flashes of his potential during his Anfield tenure but has struggled with consistency. His physical attributes, direct style and work ethic could suit the slower tempo and tactical variation of the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool’s Stance Remains Undeclared

As it stands, Liverpool have not made any public comment on Núñez’s status. The decision will likely depend on several factors: squad depth, future signings, and whether the offer from Al Ahli matches the club’s valuation.

Slot is known for placing tactical discipline and adaptability at the heart of his system, and if Núñez cannot meet those demands consistently, a transfer could benefit both parties.

Still, for a player once touted as Liverpool’s future, it would be a surprising exit, especially just three years after arriving for a fee that could rise to nearly £85 million with add-ons.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While no Liverpool fan wants to see big-money signings leave without fulfilling their promise, it is becoming harder to see a long-term fit for Darwin Núñez in Slot’s system. The manager clearly values positional intelligence, fluid movement and precise link-up play, areas where Núñez has often looked raw.

There is no questioning Núñez’s effort. His work rate has always been a positive, and he often creates chaos in defences. But with Luis Díaz offering more composure and Diogo Jota (before his tragic passing) providing more clinical finishing, Núñez was simply outperformed in key areas.

If a serious offer comes from Al Ahli, north of £50 million, Liverpool may find it wise to cash in and reinvest. That said, the timing is delicate. With Jota gone and the forward line already in flux, depth will be crucial. Selling Núñez without a guaranteed replacement could leave Liverpool short in key areas as they attempt to retain the Premier League title.

There is also an emotional factor. Fans had hoped Núñez would kick on and become the reliable No.9 the club has lacked since peak Firmino. If this is the end of his Anfield story, it will be one of unfulfilled potential rather than failure, and perhaps the Saudi Pro League is exactly the kind of environment where he can rebuild and thrive.