Darwin Nunez has officially completed his move from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Mail Sport reported this week that the Premier League champions agreed a £53million deal to sell the Uruguay international, who made it clear to Liverpool officials earlier in the summer that he saw his future away from Anfield.
The striker made only eight starts in the Premier League in 2024-25 and just one this calendar year, as he fell towards the bottom of Arne Slot’s pecking order in attack.
Nunez had asked to leave Liverpool as far back as January, when he was again the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, but they took the decision to keep him for the remainder of the campaign so he could play a part in the successful title pursuit.
Liverpool had received an offer from Napoli in June for Nunez but it was immediately rebuffed, as the Italian champions proposed a fee of just over £45million that would be paid in instalments – which would not begin until the summer of 2026.
The Reds released an official statement confirming Nunez’s exit on Saturday. It read: ‘Liverpool FC can confirm Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance.
Darwin Nunez has officially completed his £53million switch from Liverpool to Al-Ahli
The striker leaves Liverpool having scored 40 goals in 143 appearances across three seasons
In his final season on Merseyside, Nunez scored seven goals in 45 appearances and helped the Reds win the Premier League
‘The Uruguayan’s three-year spell with the Reds concludes after he finalised a switch to the Saudi Pro League side today.
‘Nunez departs Anfield having made 143 appearances and scored 40 goals, collecting Premier League and Carabao Cup winner’s medals along the way.
‘The striker arrived at the club from Benfica in the summer of 2022 and scored on his competitive debut to help Jürgen Klopp’s team lift the FA Community Shield with victory against Manchester City.
‘His first season as a Liverpool player saw him get on the scoresheet 15 times from 42 outings in all competitions and named the club’s Standard Chartered Player of the Month on two occasions.
‘Nunez improved his haul of goals in the following campaign by producing 18 – two of those off the bench at Newcastle United to complete a remarkable late turnaround in the early weeks.
‘The 2024-25 term turned out to be his final one with the Reds, and he would complete his career on Merseyside by hoisting the Premier League trophy aloft.
‘Nunez’s pair of stoppage-time finishes to snatch victory away at Brentford in January was an undoubted vital moment and highlight of the historic season.
‘Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future.’
Liverpool splashed out £85m on Nunez to snap him up from Benfica in 2022 but he ultimately struggled to live up to the price tag
The sale of Nunez will no doubt help Liverpool fund their pursuit of Alexander Isak, who is valued at £150m by Newcastle
Liverpool splashed out £85m on Nunez to snap him up from Benfica in 2022 but he ultimately struggled to live up to the price tag.
The frontman scored 40 goals in 143 appearances since landing in England.
In two of his three seasons at Liverpool, he has ranked in the top three for big chances missed in the Premier League, with 21 in 2022-23 and 27 the year after.
Nunez scored only one goal in his last 22 appearances for Liverpool and missed eight big chances in the league in 2024-25.
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Last season, he netted just seven goals and registered four assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions.
The sale of Nunez will no doubt help Liverpool fund their pursuit of Isak, who is valued at £150m by Newcastle.
Daily Mail Sport understands that a move will not happen until Newcastle sign at least one replacement striker and Liverpool return with an acceptable offer – a £110m bid was rejected last week.
Isak, meanwhile, has not been training with Newcastle and has made his desire for a move to Liverpool clear.