Liverpool have granted Darwin Núñez permission to negotiate a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the clubs close to finalising a fee for the Uruguay international. The 26-year-old, who started only eight Premier League games last season, is the subject of an initial £46m offer plus add-ons, potentially reaching around £53m.
Milan and Napoli had expressed interest in the centre-forward but were deterred by the financial demands. Liverpool paid an initial £64m to sign Núñez from Benfica in 2022, with add-ons that could have taken the deal to a club-record £85m. The Premier League champions have been seeking to recoup about £60m.
Al-Hilal's bid comes after Liverpool rejected a £60m offer from Al-Nassr in January, prioritising their title push over selling a player who has struggled to adapt to Arne Slot's system. Núñez would be a statement signing for Al-Hilal, a high-profile forward in his prime. He could meet club officials at their training camp in Germany, but remains available for Sunday's Community Shield against Crystal Palace if the deal is not completed.
A Núñez sale would push Liverpool's income from player sales past £250m since Richard Hughes became sporting director last summer. The club recently sold Tyler Morton to Lyon for £15m and may also offload Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. Meanwhile, Liverpool have invested nearly £300m on new players this summer and maintain a £110m bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
