Liverpool fans have unearthed a fascinating interview from February where Darwin Nunez appeared to drop a subtle hint about a potential move to Saudi Arabia – just as the Uruguayan striker now stands on the verge of a £53 million transfer to Al-Hilal.
The 24-year-old forward, who joined the Reds in 2022 for a club-record £85 million, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Saudi Pro League giants, with only final details remaining before the deal is completed.
The Telltale Interview
In the rediscovered interview with ESPN Argentina, conducted during Liverpool's winter break in Dubai, Nunez was asked about the growing trend of players moving to the Middle East. His response now seems remarkably prescient.
"Football is changing worldwide," Nunez remarked at the time. "The Arab leagues are growing stronger and want great players. It's an interesting project that's developing there."
What This Means for Liverpool
Nunez's potential departure would mark a significant moment for Jurgen Klopp's squad, coming just two years after his high-profile arrival from Benfica. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Uruguayan has struggled with consistency in front of goal.
The proposed £53 million fee represents a substantial loss for Liverpool, but provides valuable funds that could be reinvested in new attacking options as the club prepares for life after Mohamed Salah, who has also been linked with Saudi interest.
Al-Hilal's Ambitious Plans
Should the deal be finalized, Nunez would join a star-studded Al-Hilal squad that already includes Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Saudi champions are building an impressive attacking roster as they aim to dominate both domestically and in Asian competitions.
This transfer continues Saudi Arabia's aggressive recruitment drive that has seen global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kanté move to the Pro League in recent seasons.
