Darwin Nunez completes move to Al Hilal after forgetful Liverpool chapter

India Today

10-08-2025

Darwin Nunez Liverpool story has come to an end, and it's fair to say it wasn't quite the fairy tale many expected. The Uruguayan striker completed his switch to Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al Hilal on Sunday, sealing a three-year deal worth 53 million euros (46.3m).The 26-year-old arrived at Anfield in 2022 with fanfare, fireworks, and a hefty 64m price tag after lighting up Portuguese football with Benfica. Liverpool faithful hoped they'd landed a striker to terrorise defences for years. The reality? A mixed bag. Nez did manage 40 goals in 143 games for the Reds, but never truly nailed down a consistent starting spot, starting just eight league matches in last season's title-winning campaign.advertisementAnd this summer, the writing was well and truly on the wall. Liverpool splashed the cash on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong — a clear sign Nez's game time was about to shrink even further. Add to that the club's significant transfer exodus — Luis Daz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, and Tyler Morton all departed — and the sale pushes Liverpool's summer income to nearly 200 million euros.
For Nunez, the move to Al Hilal offers a clean slate. He's already joined their pre-season camp in Germany, where the Saudi champions are gearing up for another star-studded campaign. Al Hilal, who have been on a mission to attract top European talent, will hope Nunez's pace, power, and poacher's instincts can reignite under new surroundings.Meanwhile, Liverpool's attacking plans might not be finished yet. Nunez's exit could sharpen their focus on Newcastle's Alexander Isak, though their opening 110 million bid has already been turned down.It's the end of a chapter that promised more than it delivered — Nunez's Anfield stay will be remembered for moments of chaos, flashes of brilliance, and a lingering sense of 'what if.'- Ends