Al-Hilal is reportedly set to submit an offer for Liverpool`s forward, Darwin Nunez, who has become their top choice for a striker. This potential bid is anticipated in the coming days.
Liverpool reportedly values Nunez at approximately $80 million, aiming to recover a significant portion of the $115.6 million club-record fee paid to Benfica in 2022. This amount is within reach for Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). However, it would represent their second-highest transfer expenditure, surpassed only by the acquisition of Neymar two years ago.
AC Milan also shows interest in Nunez, having freed up considerable salary space recently due to player departures, including Tijani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez, and loanee Kyle Walker.
Initially, Al-Hilal`s primary summer target was not Nunez; they first pursued Victor Osimhen, who preferred a return to Galatasaray. Benjamin Sesko was their subsequent preference, and an internal discussion also involved Alexander Isak from PIF-owned Newcastle. However, neither Osimhen, Sesko, nor Isak appeared keen on relocating to Saudi Arabia. If Nunez considers the move – and it is understood he has not ruled out joining the Pro League – he could command an annual salary of at least $35 million.
Since joining Anfield three years ago, Nunez has struggled to meet high expectations, playing a relatively minor role in Liverpool`s Premier League victory last season, with only eight starts. In 143 appearances for Liverpool, the 26-year-old has accumulated 40 goals and 26 assists.
Should Nunez depart, Liverpool`s financial capacity would be boosted, aiding their pursuit of Alexander Isak, for whom their $146 million bid was recently turned down. Newcastle quickly dismissed the offer, although manager Eddie Howe admitted the `situation is far from ideal,` as his team eyes Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Isak.
