Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez has officially completed a high-profile transfer from Liverpool FC to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal in a deal reportedly worth £46.3 million ($62 million). The 26-year-old forward has signed a three-year contract, becoming the latest major European talent to join the ambitious Saudi Pro League.
Nunez’s move marks another significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to establish itself as a dominant force in global football, a trend that began with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2022 move to Al Nassr and continued with big-name signings like Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez.
Nunez departs Liverpool after two seasons of highs and lows. Signed in 2022 from Benfica for an initial €75 million, the striker showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately struggled for consistency.
During his time at Anfield, he netted 40 goals in 143 appearances, helping Liverpool lift the 2024/25 Premier League title, their first under new head coach Xabi Alonso. However, a lack of form and tactical fit saw him fall down the pecking order in the latter half of last season—starting just one league game after January and scoring seven goals in 47 total appearances.
Liverpool’s recent acquisitions of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, alongside reported interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, cast further doubt on Nunez’s long-term role at the club. His move away comes as part of a broader squad reshuffle aimed at rejuvenating the Reds’ attack.
Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club with 19 domestic league titles and four AFC Champions League trophies, has made clear its intent to dominate both regionally and globally. Nunez joins a star-studded squad featuring Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The club is managed by Simone Inzaghi, a two-time UEFA Champions League finalist, who will look to harness Nunez’s physicality and pace to strengthen the team’s front line. Al Hilal notably defeated Manchester City in a shock result at the Club World Cup earlier this year, raising their international profile.
The signing comes after high-profile transfer pursuits earlier in the summer, including Bruno Fernandes, who declined a move, and Victor Osimhen, who remains with Napoli.
Since 2022, Saudi clubs have poured billions into acquiring elite talent from Europe, part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify its economy through investment in sports and entertainment. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances several Saudi clubs, has positioned the Saudi Pro League as a legitimate alternative to top European competitions.
Despite early skepticism, the league’s quality and global relevance are rising, bolstered by foreign investments, modern stadiums, and elite-level coaches and players.
For Nunez, the move represents a fresh start and an opportunity to lead the line in a less pressurized but increasingly competitive league. He is expected to be a marquee figure both on and off the pitch, with Al Hilal eager to use his star power to drive shirt sales and viewership.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will reinvest the funds into bolstering their squad depth and attacking versatility. With Xabi Alonso building a young, fast, and tactical unit, the focus will likely shift toward long-term project players with high development potential.
Darwin Nunez’s transfer to Al Hilal signals more than just another big-name signing—it underlines the transformative shift occurring in the global football landscape. As Saudi Arabia continues to lure top-tier talent with unmatched financial packages and ambitious sporting goals, Europe’s traditional stronghold on elite football is being steadily challenged.
Whether Nunez can thrive in his new surroundings remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Saudi football is no longer a sideshow. It’s becoming the main stage.
