Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has reportedly attracted fresh interest from the Saudi Pro League.
The Uruguay international made only eight starts in the Premier League in 2024-25 and just one this calendar year, as he appears to be at the bottom of Arne Slot’s pecking order in attack.
Nunez’s future on Merseyside has been under heavy speculation for some time, with the club previously rejecting an approach from Al-Nassr to sign him in January.
He was also the subject of interest from Antonio Conte’s Napoli earlier in the window, as well as AC Milan, but neither Italian club were able to agree on a fee with Liverpool.
Now, Al-Hilal are plotting a move for the Reds’ No 9 and have made Nunez their priority target, according to The Athletic.
This comes after the Saudi side heavily pursued Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, but failed to secure deals for any of them.
Al-Hilal have reportedly made Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez their priority target this summer
Nunez has fallen down Arne Slot’s pecking order in attack and made just eight starts in the Premier League in 2024-25
It is believed that the 26-year-old is receptive to the possibility of a move to the Gulf nation
While Al-Hilal are yet to table a bid for Nunez, Liverpool are said to be aware of their interest.
It is also believed that Nunez, 26, is receptive to the possibility of a move to the Gulf nation.
Liverpool splashed out £85million on Nunez to snap him up from Benfica in 2022 but he has struggled since his arrival.
The frontman has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances since landing in England.
In two of his three seasons at Liverpool, he has ranked in the top three for big chances missed in the Premier League, with 21 in 2022-23 and 27 the year after.
Nunez has scored only one goal in his last 22 appearances for Liverpool and missed eight big chances in the league in 2024-25.
Last season, he netted just seven goals and registered four assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions.
The sale of Nunez will no-doubt help Liverpool fund their pursuit of Isak, who is valued at £150m by Newcastle.
Nunez has only scored once in his last 22 games – the equaliser in a 3-1 win over Southampton
Since joining from Benfica for £85m in 2022, Nunez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances
Having already bolstered their ranks with the additions of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike, the Reds submitted their first bid of £110m for the striker on Friday.
Newcastle were thought to be disappointed by the offer and quickly rejected, with Liverpool chiefs expected to submit a second proposal soon.
Isak has reportedly told Newcastle he wants to leave after reporting a thigh injury ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
He spent last week training at former club Real Sociedad, but is expected to return to Tyneside soon.
