Mohamed Salah sends emotional message to ex-Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez after striker completes £46m Al-Hilal transfer

Nunez became an Al-Hilal player last week after the Reds accepted a £46 million offer, closing the chapter on a stint that began with huge promise following his arrival from Benfica in 2022. For Liverpool, the sale was as much about reshaping the squad as it was about cutting losses.

Under new boss Arne Slot, the club has splashed heavily on fresh attacking talent, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong. Those deals meant trimming the wage bill and offloading players who were unlikely to feature prominently, with Nunez top of that list.

Salah, who has been Liverpool’s attacking constant since arriving in 2017, formed a strong off-field friendship with Nunez despite their contrasting fortunes on the pitch. Taking to social media on Wednesday, August 13, the Egyptian posted an emotional tribute to his departed teammate.

"I consider myself lucky to have had you as a teammate and friend," he wrote. "You were always very real and brought so much good energy wherever you went. You made us laugh and showed heart in everything you did. You will be missed and I wish you the best in your new club."

During his 143 appearances in red, Nunez registered 40 goals and contributed to Liverpool’s success in lifting the Community Shield, League Cup, and Premier League title. Last season was particularly challenging for the Uruguayan. Slot, preferring the pace and versatility of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, handed Nunez just eight Premier League starts. While Liverpool still clinched the title, it became increasingly clear that the forward’s future lay elsewhere.

As Nunez begins a new chapter, Salah and the rest of Liverpool’s revamped squad turn their attention to the Premier League opener. On Friday night, they host Bournemouth at Anfield, and Slot will hope that his new signings will fire on all cylinders to crush The Cherries.