Liverpool are trying to sell Darwin Nunez but will now need to focus on moving him onto a European side after talks with Al-Hilal fell through.
The Saudi Pro League side were trying to sign a striker before the end of the mini transfer window between 1 June and 10 June but were unable to convince the likes of Victor Osimhen or Nunez to make the move.
This in spite of some mouth-watering salary offers and the latest is that Nunez does not want to leave Europe – likely with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind.
The 25-year-old has had a difficult time on Merseyside and hasn’t been able to make the most of his big money move and will now be sold to fund a Liverpool move for a more reliable No.9.
That said, the Uruguayan did manage 40 goals and 26 assists since his 2022 move to Anfield but after failing to convince Arne Slot that he suits the Dutchman’s fluid system, his future lies elsewhere.
David Ornstein reveals Liverpool asking price for Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez’s “priority” is to stay in Europe, reports the Athletic’s David Ornstein, after Al-Hilal “contacted” Liverpool regarding a permanent move for this summer.
While the Saudi outfit was made “aware” of the “conditions” Liverpool are demanding to sell Nunez, a deal did not materialise due to both Nunez’s lack of desire to move to the Pro League and the lack of time to negotiate.
Al-Hilal contacted the Reds on the 10th of June with just hours remaining in FIFA’s mini transfer window before the start of the Club World Cup next week.
Ornstein also reports that Liverpool rejected a bid worth €70m (£59.2m) was rejected in January so that would be the “minimum” that the Reds would be willing to accept.
The reporter added that Atletico Madrid are “considering” a move to sign the former Benfica striker while “others” from Spain and Italy are also weighing up a move.
Did Liverpool miss their chance in January?
Liverpool were in the running to win all four competitions when they made the decision not to sell Nunez in January so it was an understandable decision.
With a lack of concrete interest in the forward so far, the club will be praying that their asking price is met but given the reputation of being a wasteful attacker that Nunez has forged, it will be curious to see which club takes a gamble on him.
