The Tactical Journal

Darwin Núñez is set to leave Liverpool after a rollercoaster three-year stint at Anfield, with a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal now all but confirmed. The Uruguayan striker, known for his explosive pace and unpredictable finishing, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Saudi side and will sign a three-year contract. The transfer fee is said to be £46 million upfront, potentially rising to £56.6 million with performance-based add-ons—a significant figure, though still a financial loss compared to the £64 million Liverpool paid to Benfica back in 2022.

Núñez’s time at Liverpool was filled with drama, late-game heroics, and moments of brilliance—but also inconsistency and frustration. Despite scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances, he struggled to fully adapt to Liverpool’s tactical demands under both Jürgen Klopp and current boss Arne Slot. As a result, Liverpool have decided to part ways, giving Núñez the green light to join Al-Hilal in a move that reflects the growing pull of Saudi Arabian football. Notably, Núñez is expected to earn around £400,000 per week, nearly tripling his previous salary—an offer too enticing to refuse.

Liverpool fans may feel a mix of disappointment and relief, as the club aims to reinvest the funds into a new attacking project, with Alexander Isak from Newcastle already emerging as a top target. For Núñez, this transfer represents not just a fresh start but a major step into a rapidly growing football market. As one chapter closes in Europe, a new and ambitious one begins in the Middle East—will Darwin Núñez finally find the consistency and stardom that eluded him in England?