Darwin Núñez Poised for Surprise Exit After Reportedly Choosing to Quit Al-Hilal
Former Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez is reportedly on the verge of another surprise move, despite only joining Saudi side Al-Hilal a few months ago.
The Uruguayan switched to the Saudi Pro League in the summer for a package worth up to £56.5 million after three years at Anfield, where he arrived from Benfica in a deal starting at £65 million. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, his inconsistent form – 40 goals in 143 games – meant he never fully met expectations. He nearly left last January, but Arne Slot opted to keep him while Liverpool chased four trophies.
Núñez delivered two dramatic stoppage-time goals against Brentford early in the year, but his role gradually diminished as Liverpool went on to win the Premier League.
Since his move to Saudi Arabia, he has recorded five goals and two assists in 11 appearances, but recurring injuries, particularly knee issues, have disrupted his progress. Now, just months into his Al-Hilal spell, the striker is being linked with yet another transfer.
Argentine outlet Olé reports that River Plate have been offered the opportunity to sign him, though talks have not advanced beyond an initial enquiry. The club is believed to have about £14 million available for squad reinforcements. Manager Marcelo Gallardo is said to be interested in Núñez, and while a permanent deal seems unlikely, a loan move could be explored. It’s not the first time the forward—under contract with Al-Hilal until 2028—has been tipped for an early exit.
Back in November, World Cup winner Marcel Desailly suggested Núñez would be a strong signing for his former club, Chelsea.
Meanwhile, at Liverpool, Núñez’s successor Alexander Isak finally scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds in their 2–0 win at West Ham. The £125 million arrival has endured a difficult start at Anfield, but his composed finish at the London Stadium marked an important step forward. He had previously netted in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, but breaking his league duck comes as a welcome relief.
Isak’s adaptation has been hampered by fitness issues, and his form hasn’t reached the levels he showed at Newcastle last season. Hugo Ekitike, another major signing, was limited to just 23 minutes from the bench, while Mohamed Salah was also named among the substitutes and did not appear.
With an abundance of attacking talent, Slot now faces the challenge of keeping all his forwards satisfied in the weeks ahead.
