Darwin Núñez Transfers from Liverpool to Al-Hilal in Major Saudi Arabian Deal

Darwin Núñez Joins Al-Hilal in £46.3 Million Transfer From Liverpool

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez has completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal from Liverpool for a reported fee of £46.3 million ($62 million), the clubs confirmed Saturday.Núñez has signed a three-year contract with the Riyadh-based side.

The transfer marks a significant shift for Núñez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 and experienced a mixed spell at Anfield.While capable of stunning goals, he struggled to consistently secure a starting position in the Premier League. Across 143 appearances for the Reds, he netted 40 goals and was part of the team that lifted the Premier League title last season. however, limited starts – only one league appearance since the start of the year – and a return of seven goals in 47 total appearances last campaign prompted the move.

Al-hilal, boasting a record 19 Saudi League titles and four Asian championships, has been aggressively bolstering its squad following the departure of Brazilian superstar Neymar in january. Previous attempts to secure Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes were unsuccessful, and interest was also reportedly shown in Victor Osimhen.

The arrival of Núñez adds further firepower to an already impressive Al-Hilal roster featuring Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. The team is managed by Simone Inzaghi, a two-time Champions League runner-up. Al-Hilal recently stunned the football world by eliminating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, signaling their ambition on the global stage.

Saudi Pro league’s growing Appeal

Núñez’s move continues the trend of established European players opting for the Saudi Pro League, a phenomenon ignited by Cristiano Ronaldo’s groundbreaking transfer to Al Nassr in 2022. Karim Benzema,Sadio Mané,and riyad Mahrez are among the high-profile names who have since joined the league,drawn by lucrative contracts and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s ambitious vision to transform the nation into a major footballing destination.

The Evolving Landscape of global Football

The influx of talent into the Saudi Pro League represents a significant shift in the global football landscape. Historically, europe’s top leagues – the english Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 – have dominated player recruitment. However, the financial power of Saudi Arabian clubs is challenging that established order, offering players option career paths and potentially reshaping the competitive balance of the sport.

Liverpool, meanwhile, has been active in strengthening its own attacking options, bringing in Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, with reported interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.The departure of Núñez provides the club with resources to further refine its squad under manager Jürgen Klopp.

what financial impact will this transfer have on Liverpool, considering their initial investment in Núñez?

The Shock Move: Núñez Joins Saudi pro League

In a stunning turn of events, Darwin Núñez has completed a transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. The deal, finalized on August 10, 2025, represents a important financial windfall for Liverpool and a major coup for the Saudi Pro League as it continues its aspiring project to attract top footballing talent. Reports indicate the transfer fee is in the region of £90 million, making Núñez one of the most expensive players in Saudi football history. This move follows a summer of high-profile signings for Al-Hilal, including Neymar and Rúben Neves, further solidifying their position as a force in Asian football.

Key details of the Transfer

Here’s a breakdown of the crucial details surrounding the Darwin Núñez to Al-Hilal transfer:

Transfer Fee: Approximately £90 million.

Contract Length: 3-year contract with Al-Hilal.

Salary: Estimated to be around £600,000 per week, considerably increasing Núñez’s earnings.

Liverpool’s Profit: Liverpool will make a substantial profit on the player they signed from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £67.5 million.

Medical Completed: Núñez successfully completed his medical in Riyadh on August 9th, 2025.

Why Al-Hilal Targeted Darwin Núñez

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Darwin Núñez wasn’t a surprise, given his profile as a dynamic, fast, and prolific goalscorer.Several factors contributed to their interest:

Saudi Pro League Ambitions: The Saudi Pro League is actively seeking to elevate its global profile and attract world-class players. Núñez fits this criteria perfectly.

Managerial Preference: Al-Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, reportedly identified Núñez as a key target to lead the attack.

Financial Power: The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) backing Al-Hilal allows them to offer lucrative contracts and transfer fees that few clubs can match.

Núñez’s Potential: Despite a somewhat inconsistent spell at Liverpool, Núñez’s raw talent and goal-scoring ability are undeniable. Al-Hilal believes they can unlock his full potential.

Liverpool’s Viewpoint: A Strategic Sale

While losing a talented player like Núñez is never ideal, Liverpool appears to have navigated the situation strategically.

Financial Fair Play (FFP): The substantial transfer fee helps Liverpool comply with FFP regulations.

Squad Rebuilding: The funds generated can be reinvested in strengthening other areas of the squad, possibly targeting a creative midfielder or a more established defender.

Competition for Places: Núñez often found himself competing with Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cody gakpo for starting positions. His departure creates more opportunities for other attackers.

Jurgen Klopp’s Assessment: Reports suggest jurgen Klopp was open to the sale if the price was right,recognizing the financial benefits and the potential for squad betterment.

impact on the Saudi Pro League

The arrival of Darwin Núñez further enhances the Saudi Pro League’s growing reputation.

Increased Global Viewership: High-profile signings like Núñez attract a larger international audience.

Improved League Quality: The influx of talent raises the overall standard of play.

Attracting Further Investment: Success on the pitch can lead to increased sponsorship and investment.

* competition with European Leagues: the Saudi Pro League is increasingly becoming a viable alternative for top players who may not get regular game time in Europe’s elite leagues.

Núñez’s Career Trajectory: From Benfica to riyadh

Darwin Núñez’s career has been marked by rapid progression.

1. Early Career (Peñarol & Almería): Núñez began his professional career at Peñarol in Uruguay before moving to Almería in Spain.
2. Breakthrough at Benfica: He truly established himself as a star at Benfica, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
3. Liverpool Move (2022): Liverpool signed Núñez in June 2022, hoping he would be the long-term solution to their attacking needs.
4. Al-Hilal Chapter (2025): Now, Núñez embarks on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League with al-Hilal, aiming to become a key figure in their quest for domestic and continental success.

Fan reactions and Social Media Buzz

The transfer has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.Liverpool fans are divided, with some lamenting the loss of a promising talent and others acknowledging the financial pragmatism of the deal.Al-Hilal fans, meanwhile, are ecstatic about the arrival of a