Darwin Nunez is close to ending his disappointing spell at Liverpool with a move that could spark another major transfer this summer – and provide even more frustration for Newcastle.
The Uruguay international is in talks over a move to Al-Hilal after a verbal agreement was reached between the Saudi Pro League side and the Premier League champions, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
It has been reported Al-Hilal will pay around £60m for Nunez, who has scored 25 goals in 95 Premier League appearances since moving to Merseyside from Benfica in 2022 for a fee rising to £85m.
The 26-year-old quickly won over the Kop due to his workrate but question marks around his finishing ability persisted, prompting boss Arne Slot to spend an initial £69m on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool still keen on Isak
Another player admired by Liverpool is Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, and a move may edge closer if Nunez departs.
Al-Hilal are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who also own Newcastle. So, in effect, PIF would be increasing the chances of Newcastle losing Isak by boosting Liverpool’s transfer pot.
Liverpool saw a bid for Isak rejected last week and, although they have hinted they would not be rushing in with a second, the Swede remains determined to force through a move to Anfield.
Isak skipped Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East and trained by himself at former club Real Sociedad before returning to Tyneside on Monday.
Summer of misery for Newcastle
It would seem futile to keep an unhappy player but Newcastle’s bid to sign another striker this summer has so far reaped little reward.
Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap have all snubbed moves to Tyneside – as have forward Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper James Trafford – while it seems they are also likely to miss out on Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko is reportedly edging towards Manchester United despite Newcastle offering more to his current club RB Leipzig.
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2025-08-06 10:48:07
