A dramatic twist is unfolding at Anfield as Darwin Núñez has been “ready to leave” Liverpool, according to top-transfer insiders. This seismic development comes after the Uruguayan striker received a “shocking offer” that has potentially altered the trajectory of his Reds future—and the club’s plans under Arne Slot.
🔴 Struggling to Fit Under Slot
Darwin’s role at Liverpool has diminished significantly. Since Arne Slot took over, Núñez has started only eight Premier League games this past season and image shows he’s now low in the striker hierarchy behind Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota . Slot has publicly dismissed suggestions that contract clauses are dictating team selection—but with the striker sitting at just 49 starts (one shy of a bonus-trigger clause), benching him in the season finale helped Liverpool save £5 million.
🔍 Saudi & Atletico Interest
An urgent offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia has dramatically shifted the picture. The club, desperate for a marquee attacker ahead of next week’s Club World Cup, identified Núñez as a prime target after Victor Osimhen turned them down . Meanwhile, European heavyweights Atlético Madrid are rumoured to be closing in on an offer around €45 million—a significant discount from his original €75 million purchase price .
⚠️ Financial & Performance Fallout
Liverpool originally paid up to £85 million during his 2022 move from Benfica, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings . But with only 40 goals in 142 appearances and recent dip in form—just seven goals in 43 outings this term—criticism is mounting. Champions League-winner Dietmar Hamann labelled it “maybe the biggest transfer mistake in Liverpool history,” urging the club to recoup as much of the fee as possible from emerging Saudi interest .
🔧 Squad Strategy & Replacement Plans
Liverpool aren’t just selling—they’re reinvesting. The Reds are actively pursuing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt as a new attacking option, amidst broader squad refreshers including Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez . Veteran striker Núñez’s departure would free up both financial and tactical room for these reinforcements under Slot’s evolving system.
📝 My Take & Why This Matters
This is more than a transfer rumour—it’s a turning point. Núñez’s tempestuous form, compounded by lack of trust from Slot, has accelerated a long-considered exit strategy. The reported Saudi offer underscores the global shifts in football economics, while Atlético’s interest shows Núñez still carries value in Europe.
Liverpool are at a crossroads: decide between a lukewarm sale to Saudi Arabia for immediate cash or push for Atlético’s more modest but football-focused bid. Either way, it signals the end of Núñez’s Anfield chapter and opens a crucial new phase under Slot’s reign.
📣 Fans’ Reaction:
Liverpool supporters are split—some sympathy for Núñez, others relief that a misfit is finally moving on. Criticism from pundits like Hamann only fuels debate over whether recouping a fraction of his fee is a win or a financial blot.
One thing is certain: this is a deal Liverpool can’t afford to miss, both on and off the pitch.