Liverpool have given Darwin Núñez permission to negotiate a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the club close to finalising a fee for the Uruguay international. The 26-year-old started only eight Premier League games last season and has struggled to adapt to Arne Slot's system.
Al-Hilal's offer is understood to be an initial £46m, plus add-ons, though the final structure has yet to be agreed. Liverpool paid an initial £64m for Núñez from Benfica in 2022, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to a club-record £85m, and have been seeking to recoup about £60m. The club rejected a similar bid from Al-Nassr in January.
Milan and Napoli were also interested but were deterred by the finances. Núñez could meet Al-Hilal officials during their training camp in Germany, but he remains in contention for Sunday's Community Shield against Crystal Palace if no deal is completed.
A transfer would push Liverpool's income from player sales past £250m since Richard Hughes became sporting director last summer. The club have already sold Tyler Morton to Lyon for £15m and could also offload Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. Liverpool have invested nearly £300m on players this summer and maintain a £110m bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
