Liverpool have turned down a massive first offer for striker Darwin Nunez from Saudi club Al-Hilal, as per Anfield Watch.
The bid, which is said to be worth around £70million ($85m), signals Al-Hilal’s serious intent to bring the Uruguayan forward to the Saudi Pro League this month.
However, Liverpool are standing firm, valuing Nunez closer to £85 million, with a deal reportedly possible at the £75million mark.
Why do Al-Hilal want Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez?
Nunez joined Liverpool in 2022 for an initial £64m after an incredible season at Benfica, where he scored 34 goals.
Since arriving at Anfield, the 25-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency.
Under new head coach Arne Slot, Nunez has slipped down in the striking pecking order behind Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota.
Al-Hilal, managed by former Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, clearly see Nunez as an ideal replacement for Neymar – who has been de-registered by the club due to longstanding injury problems. They’ve reportedly offered Nunez an eye-watering contract worth £400,000 per week, equivalent to £20.8m ($25.8m) annually.
If accepted, this would dwarf the wages of Liverpool’s highest earner, Mohamed Salah, who reportedly earns £350,000 per week.
Will Liverpool let Darwin Nunez leave this January?
Liverpool appears open to negotiations if Al-Hilal improves their offer. Reports suggest Nunez could leave Anfield if Slot cannot maximise his potential.
While the player may prefer to stay in Europe, the financial lure from Saudi Arabia could be hard to ignore.
Al-Hilal aren’t the only Saudi club who have been linked with a move. Al-Nassr are also in the market for attacking reinforcements and could make their own move for Nunez.
