Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have officially reached out to Liverpool regarding a potential summer transfer for striker Darwin Núñez, according to a report by David Ornstein of *The Athletic*. While speculation linking the Uruguayan forward with a move to the Saudi Pro League has circulated for several months, this is the first confirmed approach by a leading club from the region.
Al-Hilal reportedly made contact with Liverpool on Monday to discuss possible terms for a deal. Although the Saudi interest is now concrete, Núñez himself is believed to favor staying in Europe. Spain and Italy are understood to be his preferred destinations, with Atlético Madrid closely monitoring the situation. However, the Spanish club has yet to table a formal offer.
Earlier this year, Liverpool turned down a £59 million bid from another Saudi side, Al-Nassr. That figure is expected to serve as the baseline in any forthcoming negotiations regarding Núñez’s future. Should the Reds decide to cash in, they could use the funds to pursue their own top targets. One such name is Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star Florian Wirtz, whose transfer would likely demand a substantial fee.
This isn’t the first time Al-Hilal has shown serious intent toward Núñez. Previous discussions reportedly took place with the player’s representatives, during which a staggering wage offer of more than £550,000 per week was presented. Liverpool, however, opted not to engage at that point, focusing instead on their campaigns across four competitions, including the Premier League and Europa League.
With the club’s season now officially over and the transfer window opening, Liverpool appear more willing to consider various proposals and evaluate their squad structure. Selling Núñez could offer the flexibility required to invest in new talent and reshape the team under incoming manager Arne Slot.
In a separate but related development, young center-back Jarell Quansah continues to attract serious interest from newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old has made significant strides in his development over the past season and is being viewed as a potential long-term option for Leverkusen’s defense.
As interest builds around both Núñez and Quansah, and with Liverpool reportedly planning strategic additions to strengthen the squad, the Merseyside club’s summer transfer dealings are beginning to gather pace. With potential outgoings and major incomings on the table, the months ahead could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of Liverpool’s evolution.
