Darwin Nunez makes transfer decision as €40m deal confirmed

Cameron Smith

18 Jul 2025 11:45 BST
3 min read

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly now open to completing a summer transfer to the Saudi Pro League after failing to secure a move to Napoli.

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The Uruguay international had set his sights on joining Antonio Conte’s side this summer, however the Serie A giants were unwilling to match Liverpool’s €75 million asking price and they eventually opted against finalising a deal after weeks of negotiations.

Current ETV

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€46.2M - €56.5M

Instead, Napoli opted to sign Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca, with the 24-year-old joining the club on an initial loan deal for €9m, with an obligation to buy for €26m and a further €5m in potential add-on payments.

With a Napoli switch off the table, Nunez is now willing to join a club in Saudi Arabia, according to TBR Football.

Numerous teams in the Middle East are reportedly interested in signing the Uruguay star this summer, including Al-Hilal, and they are willing to match Liverpool’s asking price of €75m in order to finalise a deal.

CaughtOffside claim that AC Milan, Al-Nassr and Barcelona are all eager to sign Nunez too, while Newcastle United have also been linked with a surprise move in recent days. However, football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that concrete talks are yet to take place.

Who will Liverpool sign to replace Darwin Nunez?

Liverpool are expected to sign a new centre forward if Nunez is sold this summer, with two key options on their wish-list.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak remains Slot’s dream target and Liverpool are reportedly willing to submit a club record offer of €138.6m (£120m) in order to secure the Sweden international’s signature.

However, Eddie Howe’s side are unwilling to sanction a sale this summer, and Liverpool have sounded out Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as their preferred alternative to Isak.

The Reds have already agreed personal terms with Ekitike and a deal is set to advance soon if it becomes clear that Isak is unattainable.

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