Liverpool have reportedly been contacted by Al Hilal after their new Italian manager, Simone Inzaghi, expressed interest in signing Darwin Nunez this summer.
The Uruguayan striker, who scored only five Premier League goals last season, is now Al Hilal’s backup option if they fail to secure Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
According to the Saudi news outlet Arriyadiyah, Al Hilal “has opened the door” for a transfer, with recent talks occurring between the Saudi club and Liverpool’s board to discuss the possibility.
The report states: “Al Hilal inquires with Liverpool… Inzaghi requests Nunez.”
Nunez, 26, is contracted until 2028, but his future has been uncertain for months, especially after Liverpool coach Arne Slot favored Luis Diaz in a central attacking role late in the title-winning season.
A move to Saudi Arabia could bring in substantial funds, considering Liverpool paid an initial £64m for Nunez from Benfica in 2022, with add-ons potentially raising the fee to £85m.
Since joining, Nunez has scored 40 goals and provided 22 assists in 143 appearances, but the current manager seems reluctant to see him as a long-term option.
With Osimhen reportedly in talks to join Al Hilal, the Saudi club may only make a formal bid for Nunez if the Osimhen deal falls through. However, their early contact with Liverpool suggests they are preparing to act swiftly.
If Nunez leaves this summer, Liverpool will likely need to respond strongly in the transfer market, especially with Luis Diaz also linked with a possible exit. The club might revisit interest in forwards like Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike to fill the gaps.
As Saudi interest intensifies, Liverpool will have to decide whether Nunez fits into their long-term plans or if he is surplus to requirements under Slot’s system.
His underwhelming goal tally and the decision to prevent him from starting his 50th appearance last season—possibly to save the club up to £5m in contract clauses—hint at a planned departure.
A direct replacement will be crucial if both Nunez and potentially Diaz leave this summer.
With preseason underway and no new attacking signings yet, Liverpool’s forward options remain limited beyond Cody Gakpo and the retired Diogo Jota’s shirt number now vacant.
Fans might hope a big-money sale could fund a frontline rebuild with a player who fits Slot’s tactical and mental vision, possibly someone like Florian Wirtz, though the team’s lack of a reliable natural striker was already evident last season.
If Nunez departs, the coming weeks will be key in determining Liverpool’s attacking shape for the future.
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