David Ornstein's Update on Darwin Nunez's Potential Move to Al Hilal

Renowned football journalist David Ornstein has reported that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool to sign striker Darwin Nunez. The deal, valued at €53 million plus add-ons, marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the clubs involved, as Liverpool look to reshape their attacking options under manager Arne Slot.

🚨 Al Hilal reach agreement in principle with Liverpool to sign Darwin Nunez. €53m + adds in place verbally. #LFC striker indicating willingness to accept. Steps needed to finalise but would be huge recruit for #AlHilal @TheAthleticFC post @FabrizioRomano https://t.co/5ZBcz7rF7j

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2025

A Verbal Agreement in Place

According to Ornstein’s report for The Athletic on August 6, 2025, Al Hilal and Liverpool have verbally agreed on a transfer fee of €53 million (£46.1m), with additional add-ons that could push the total value higher. While the deal is not yet finalized, Nunez has indicated his willingness to accept the move, signaling a potential departure from Anfield after three seasons. The Uruguayan international, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a fee that could reach £85 million with add-ons, has been a polarizing figure due to his inconsistent form despite his undeniable work rate and passion.

Ornstein notes that “there are still steps that need to be taken before the move is complete,” which explains why neither club has issued an official confirmation. However, the agreement represents a significant step forward, with Nunez reportedly receptive to joining Al Hilal’s ambitious project under new head coach Simone Inzaghi. The Saudi club has been proactive in the transfer market, having previously pursued high-profile strikers like Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko, but Nunez has emerged as their primary target.

Nunez’s Liverpool Journey

Darwin Nunez’s tenure at Liverpool has been a rollercoaster. Signed as a potential game-changer after scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica, including six in the Champions League, the 26-year-old struggled to replicate that form consistently in the Premier League. His best season came under Jürgen Klopp, where he netted 18 goals, but under Arne Slot in the 2024-25 campaign, Nunez started just eight Premier League matches, scoring seven goals across 47 appearances in all competitions. Despite his effort and fan-favorite status, his erratic finishing and struggles with tactical discipline have led to questions about his fit at Liverpool.

Ornstein’s report aligns with broader speculation about Nunez’s future, as Liverpool have bolstered their attack with the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike and continue to pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, despite having a £110 million bid rejected. These moves suggest that Slot views Nunez as expendable, particularly as the club aims to secure a more reliable goalscorer to lead their line.

Al Hilal’s Ambitious Pursuit

Al Hilal’s interest in Nunez is not new. The Saudi club, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also holds an 85% stake in Newcastle United, contacted Liverpool in June to inquire about the conditions of a potential deal. This followed an earlier approach from Al Nassr in January, which offered around €70 million (£60m) but was rejected as Liverpool were in the midst of a title chase. Al Hilal’s persistence has paid off, with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

The appointment of Simone Inzaghi as head coach has added further impetus to Al Hilal’s pursuit. Nunez is seen as a good tactical fit for Inzaghi’s system, and the club’s long-term project, coupled with a lucrative financial package, has reportedly impressed the player. Talks between Nunez’s representatives and Al Hilal began in April, and the club’s failure to secure Osimhen (who joined Galatasaray) and the unattainability of Isak and Sesko have made Nunez their top priority.

Financial and Strategic Implications

The agreed fee of €53 million plus add-ons represents a masterstroke for Liverpool, who are poised to recoup a significant portion of the £85 million they paid for Nunez. Reports from Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs suggest that the add-ons are “easily achievable,” potentially pushing the total fee beyond £50 million, with favorable payment terms ensuring Liverpool receive most of the fixed fee upfront. This financial boost could aid Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak, though Newcastle’s £150 million valuation remains a hurdle.

Interestingly, the PIF’s ownership of both Al Hilal and Newcastle has sparked speculation about potential financial maneuvering, with some fans on platforms like Reddit suggesting that Al Hilal’s move for Nunez could indirectly help Liverpool fund a deal for Isak. However, such claims remain speculative and lack concrete evidence.

Nunez! Nunez! Nunez! 🫡

Darwin's goal against Athletic Club from pitchside 🤳 #TeamPixel #Ad pic.twitter.com/lca66RWLbH

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 5, 2025

What’s Next for Nunez?

As Liverpool players are currently on a break, Nunez could finalize his move swiftly, potentially joining Al Hilal at their training camp in Germany for a medical if negotiations progress as expected. While AC Milan also expressed interest, Ornstein notes that the Serie A club is unlikely to match Al Hilal’s financial package, making the Saudi Pro League the most probable destination.

For Nunez, the move represents a chance to revive his career in a new environment where he could be a central figure in Al Hilal’s attack. At 26, leaving European football is a bold decision, but the promise of regular playing time and a starring role under Inzaghi may outweigh the allure of staying in Europe, where his preference for Spain or Italy has been noted in earlier reports.