Darwin Núñez Nearing Saudi Move Amid Liverpool Reshuffle, Faces Unique Cultural Challenge
As Liverpool look to bring in fresh talent—with Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak reportedly top of their wishlist—sporting director Richard Hughes is also focusing on player exits. One of the most high-profile departures could be Darwin Núñez, who is said to have reached an agreement to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The move might bring more than just a change in club, as it could require Núñez to comply with a strict Saudi law that could affect his personal life.
Liverpool have not only established themselves as an attractive club for incoming stars—having already secured Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, and now with Isak pushing for a transfer—but have also proven to be shrewd negotiators when it comes to selling. With lucrative deals already sealed for Luis Díaz and Jarell Quansah, Núñez could be next in line.
The Uruguayan striker is reportedly open to the Saudi switch, but the transfer may come with unexpected personal challenges. In Saudi Arabia, it’s illegal for unmarried couples to live together—a rule that only Cristiano Ronaldo has been allowed to bypass. Unless Núñez is given similar leeway, he may have to live separately from his long-term partner and their two children, or seek other arrangements.
According to The Athletic, Al Hilal has agreed to pay £46.2 million for Núñez—significantly lower than the £70 million Liverpool turned down in January. This deal marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, who originally signed the forward for £64 million from Benfica in 2022.
Despite a promising record of 34 goals in 41 games prior to joining Liverpool, Núñez struggled to adapt fully to the Premier League. Over 143 appearances, he managed just 40 goals. His inefficiency in front of goal was highlighted by stats from xGPhilosophy, which show he netted only 25 times from an expected goals tally of 40.34—suggesting he underperformed by 15 goals.
Even so, Liverpool still secured the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot. Now, with Núñez’s likely departure, the stage may be set for Isak to take over the number nine shirt and offer a new attacking option at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Núñez’s move could test the boundaries of Saudi law. Though authorities have reportedly relaxed enforcement for expatriates, the rule technically still stands, and it remains uncertain whether the striker will receive the same special treatment as Ronaldo.
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