Al-Hilal reach verbal agreement with Liverpool to sign Darwin Nunez as ex-Inter boss Simone Inzaghi closes in on priority transfer target

The deal is now contingent on personal terms being agreed between Al Hilal and Nunez, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Discussions with the player are ongoing, and there is optimism from all parties involved that the transfer could be finalised soon.

The proposed fee for the transfer is believed to be around €70 million (£61m), a figure in line with what Al Nassr reportedly offered Liverpool for Nunez back in January. On that occasion, the Reds rejected the bid, preferring not to lose the forward mid-season. With the arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and strong interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Merseyside club appear to be reconfiguring their attacking options. 

Should Nunez agree to join Al Hilal, the move could have immediate consequences for Aleksandar Mitrovic, as the Serbian striker may become available for transfer, talkSPORT has revealed. Al Hilal are reportedly open to both permanent and loan deals for Mitrovic, whose future has been in question since January, and he has already been informed that the club are actively seeking a new striker.

Since arriving from Benfica in 2022, Darwin Nunez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions. Last season, Nunez found the net just five times in the Premier League as Liverpool lifted the title. While his overall work rate was praised by Arne Slot, his consistency in front of goal has let him down. 

Liverpool have already been among the Premier League’s most active clubs in the summer window. In addition to Hugo Ekitike, the Reds have completed deals for Bayer Leverkusen stars Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, along with young full-back Milos Kerkez. The departure of Nunez would not only bring in a sizable transfer fee but also free up wages and squad space, enabling them to divert resources towards sealing a deal for Newcastle star Isak.