Darwin Nunez makes the most of Saudi switch as Liverpool awaits Alexander Isak resolution
Nunez scored 40 goals in 143 games for Liverpool, but often underperformed from his expected goals tally and struggled for confidence in front of goal.
His transfer comes amid speculation that the Reds are pursuing Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. The Swedish international is still under contract with the Tyneside club, but Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Isak has "no intention" to play for Newcastle this weekend.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak could be given transfer lifeline thanks to PSG
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Alexander Isak latest, Luis Diaz talks, Harvey Elliott admission
"Alexander Isak's plans remain clear: no intention to be part of the squad against Aston Villa, same against Liverpool next week," Romano wrote. "Isak keeps rejecting new deal approaches as his clear desire remains to join Liverpool asap."
Nunez didn't necessarily score against the stiffest competition: his goals came against FC Aarau (a second-tier Swiss side) and SV Waldhof Mannheim (a German third-tier side) in 6-0 and 3-2 wins, respectively.
Nunez's goal against Waldhof Mannheim was the third in quick succession (33rd minute) after fullbacks Theo Hernandez (21st) and Joao Cancelo (25th) found the net a minute before.
The Uruguayan finds himself in an Al-Hillal side loaded with talent, including Salem Al-Dawsari, Ruben Neves, Bono, Malcom, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hernandez, and Cancelo.
His exit from Liverpool was bittersweet, as Nunez often teased the potential that made former manager Jurgen Klopp sign him from Benfica for an initial £64 million in 2022.
Mohammed Salah posted an emotional message for his teammate on X. 'I consider myself lucky to have had you as a teammate and friend," the Egyptian wrote.
READ MORE: Curtis Jones appears to drop Alexander Isak hint with cheeky gesture in Premier League video
READ MORE: Roy Keane and Ian Wright slam Alexander Isak's 'shocking' behavior
"You were always very real and brought so much good energy wherever you went. You made us laugh and showed heart in everything you did. You will be missed, and I wish you the best in your new club.'
The club also sent Nunez off with a message. "The Uruguayan's three-year spell with the Reds concludes after he finalised a switch to the Saudi Pro League side today," it read. "Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Nottingham Forest remain interested in Mateus Fernandes
Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Southampton midfield ace Mateus Fernandes this summer (The Telegraph). The Tricky Trees want more additions after James McAtee and Fernandes remains 'high on their list'. It remains to be seen if they can get him to the City Ground. Fernandes would be a stellar addition for Forest after catching the eye at Southampton last term following his move from Sporting CP. The 21-year-old netted three times and recorded six assists in 43 appearances. Former midfielder Jo Tessem told BBC Radio Solent Southampton podcast that Fernandes 'is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder.' West Ham have already seen a £30 million bid for the Nottingham Forest target rejected, with Southampton asking for around £58 million. If Forest can negotiate the fee down to around £40 million, it would represent outstanding value for a player of his age, talent, and trajectory. Fernandes has drawn praise from former coaches Ivan Juric and Russell Martin. He has been lauded for his relentless work rate, tactical intelligence, and strong mentality, qualities Forest need in the Premier League next season. His energy in midfield, combined with his creativity, would give Nottingham Forest both a reliable engine and a match-winning edge in key fixtures. Forest are preparing for a return to Europe for the first time in nearly 30 years and need quality additions to the ranks. Nuno Espirito Santo's men are now in the Europa League and can pull a higher calibre of players this summer. The Nottinghamshire outfit have already signed Dan Ndoye and are close to agreeing deals for James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson. The Tricky Trees are not done in the market with other stars like Arnaud Kalimuendo, Yunus Musah, Adama Traore, and Fernandes on the radar. Elsewhere, Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to agreeing a new contract with Nottingham Forest. His original contract with the Tricky Trees was a three-year deal and is set to expire next summer.
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Premier League and EFL at odds over redistribution deal
The Premier League have seen their latest attempt to tweak how football's wealth is distributed hit a roadblock. According to The Athletic, the English Football League (EFL) rejected a redistribution proposal just weeks before a landmark bill introducing an independent football regulator was passed. The offer was made in April and backed by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters. However, it fell short of the EFL's long-standing demand for 25% of the top flight's television rights revenue. That has been a huge sticking point in negotiations about bridging the financial gap between the Premier League and lower divisions. Speaking in the House of Lords on July 15, West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady revealed that the EFL board had turned down what she described as a 'credible and generous' proposal. Brady is one of many voices that have campaigned against the incoming regulator and warned that it could entrench a 'closed shop' among the league's elite clubs. However, she cautioned that the Premier League's 'future success' is not guaranteed, pointing to the growing threat from FIFA and UEFA expanding their competitions and commercial reach. Despite the setback, the Premier League remains hopeful that they can reach a deal without outside intervention. The independent regulator will be formally established by November, although it is expected to take time to become fully operational. For now, the Premier League and EFL will carry on with their existing arrangements without a deadline to focus on as far as any of the authorities potentially involved in any discussions are concerned. The debate stems from the Premier League being cautious about surrendering too much of its broadcasting income. They fear it could weaken the league's competitive edge and reduce their ability to invest in both top-tier football and the game as a whole. On the other hand, the EFL argues that a larger share of the game's richest revenue stream is essential for the sustainability of its 72 clubs, many of which face ongoing financial challenges.
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
High school flag football: Wednesday and Thursday's results
WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS SOUTHERN SECTION Aliso Niguel 50, Corona 0 Anaheim 37, Garden Grove 6 Banning 43, Cathedral City 6 Beckman 26, Segerstrom 0 Bellflower 7, St. Paul 0 Bishop Amat 13, Bonita 6 Buena 38, Calabasas 6 Burbank Burroughs 18, Valencia 12 Chino 32, Los Altos 0 Corona Centennial 25, Hillcrest 18 Crean Lutheran 32, Capistrano Valley 0 Desert Hot Springs 20, Xavier Prep 0 Downey 37, Western Christian 6 Edison 72, Rialto 7 El Dorado 25, Marina 0 Estancia 20, Saddleback 7 Fullerton 13, Troy 0 Gahr 54, Long Beach Cabrillo 0 Garey 31, Workman 6 Glenn d. Alhambra, forfeit Hacienda Heights Wilson 25, Alemany 6 Hemet 20, Great Oak 0 Indio 19, Ontario Christian 12 Kennedy 25, Katella 0 La Habra 21, La Serna 19 Lakewood St. Joseph 31, Warren 7 Linfield Christian 12, Roosevelt 0 Long Beach Wilson 6, Norwalk 6 Los Alamitos 40, Mayfair 0 Los Osos 19, Nogales 6 Montclair 24, Fontana 6 Newbury Park 26, Simi Valley 0 Orange Lutheran 34, Woodbridge 0 Patriot 21, Chaffey 6 Placentia Valencia 25, Loara 7 Portola 19, Laguna Hills 6 Rowland 31, Arroyo 0 San Clemente 31, University 0 San Gabriel 34, El Monte 0 Sierra Vista 52, West Covina 20 Sonora 32, Westminster La Quinta 0 South Hills 25, Santa Fe 6 Sunny Hills 8, Villa Park 8 Tesoro 25, Irvine 0 Thousand Oaks 18, Chaminade 2 Whittier 13, Bell Gardens 12 Windward 26, Compton Early College 0 Yorba Linda 13, Ayala 6 INTERSECTIONAL Imperial 43, La Quinta 12 THURSDAY'S RESULTS SOUTHERN SECTION Anaheim Canyon 31, El Dorado 6 Azusa 41, Los Altos 0 Buena 21, Del Sol 0 Camarillo 36, Ventura 31 Corona Del Mar 26, Trabuco Hills 13 Covina 25, Baldwin Park 15 Cypress 20, San Clemente 12 El Toro 12, Santa Ana Foothill 0 Fullerton 13, Crean Lutheran 7 JSerra 45, Corona Santiago 6 Lakewood St. Joseph 27, Long Beach Wilson 0 Montebello 40, Mountain View 0 Knight 12, West Ranch 7 Oak Park 27, Newbury Park 26 Oxnard 49, Channel Islands 0 Placentia Valencia 25, Rosemead 12 Santa Paula 20, Santa Barbara 14 Sonora 30, Fountain Valley 12 San Dimas 54, Keppel 0 Temecula Valley 25, Elsinore 0 Vasquez 12, Quartz Hill 7 Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
