Darwin Núñez has officially concluded his three-year tenure at Liverpool with a high-profile switch to Saudi Professional League powerhouse Al-Hilal, signing a three-year contract that marks the latest chapter in his evolving club career.
The announcement was jointly confirmed by the Saudi side and Liverpool on August 9, 2025.
Reports from Spain suggest Núñez will earn around €24 million per season — tripling his previous earnings — as part of the three-year deal, putting him among the highest-paid forwards in the league.
The move comes after interest from European clubs, including Napoli, AC Milan, and Newcastle, but Al-Hilal’s competitive package ultimately swayed the Uruguayan.
Núñez joined Liverpool in June 2022 from SL Benfica for a reported €75 million (£64 million), an ambitious move backed by then-manager Jürgen Klopp. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut to help clinch the Community Shield against Manchester City. His early performances earned him club accolades and injection of confidence from supporters.
However, his time at Anfield was characterized by inconsistency. That first season saw him net 15 goals across 42 games, but his form dipped in the following campaign.
Though he recorded 18 goals, including vital injury-time strikes against teams like Newcastle, his final season involved only seven goals from 47 appearances. Under new manager Arne Slot, his role became increasingly marginal, with limited starts and sporadic influence on the pitch.
The sale of Núñez arrives amid a significant summer spending spree by Liverpool. The club has already committed nearly £300 million, signing high-profile talents like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, and remains active in the market for forwards like Alexander Isak.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, add another marquee name to a burgeoning roster — which already features stars like Theo Hernández — under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, as the Saudi side pushes to reclaim the domestic title.