Liverpool Braced for £135m Saudi Raid on Diaz and Nunez: Summer of Decisions Looms

CaughtOffside’s recent exclusive has ignited speculation over a potential €160m double swoop by Al Hilal for Liverpool duo Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. While Liverpool bask in the glory of a Premier League title under new boss Arne Slot, the transfer window threatens to bring disruption. The report reveals a club open to change – but only on its own terms.

Saudi Pursuit Signals a New Summer Battle

Al Hilal’s ambitious move for both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz underlines how far the Saudi Pro League is willing to go to secure elite European talent. According to CaughtOffside, “sources with a close understanding of the situation” confirm serious interest from the Saudi club, with Liverpool valuing each player at around €80m.

In Nunez’s case, the writing may have been on the wall for some time. His inconsistency in front of goal has been a talking point throughout his Anfield spell, and the arrival of Arne Slot has not changed his fortunes.

As the article notes, “Nunez has long looked set for an exit from Liverpool after his poor form for the club, with Slot also not giving him as much playing time as his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.” With potential suitors including Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid, a deal seems far more likely to be concluded outside Europe if Liverpool hope to command a full €80m.

Diaz Exit Would Represent a Bigger Gamble

Unlike Nunez, Luis Diaz’s name is far from associated with disappointment. The Colombian forward has delivered in big moments and retains admirers across Europe, with previous links to PSG and Barcelona.

Still, Liverpool are reportedly open to offers. “CaughtOffside understands that Arne Slot would rather not sell Diaz, but the club’s stance is that a bid in the region of €80m could also be enough for them to consider a sale.” That figure would test any club’s resolve, especially as Liverpool look to remain financially balanced amid FSG’s sustainable model.

The club has already begun sounding out replacements. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, capable of playing both wide and centrally, is one name under consideration. Slot’s known preference for fluid front lines could make the Cameroon international a shrewd option, albeit one lacking Diaz’s pedigree on the European stage.

Strategic or Sacrificial Sales?

The situation raises fundamental questions for Liverpool. Are these mooted sales strategic – aimed at refreshing the squad after a title-winning campaign – or sacrifices to rebalance an increasingly ageing wage structure?

Selling Nunez could be interpreted as a necessary recalibration, especially if the funds are reinvested into a top-class striker who fits Slot’s system better. On Diaz, the decision is harder to rationalise. Unless the club has a ready-made star lined up, sanctioning his departure might undo some of the forward momentum Slot has built in such a short time.

As one insider put it to CaughtOffside, “this could seriously test Liverpool’s resolve.” A statement that encapsulates the crossroads facing the club.

Saudi Power Shift Continues to Grow

This interest in two Liverpool stars is just the latest reminder of the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive expansion strategy. No longer content with ageing stars in their twilight years, they are now targeting players still very much in their prime.

If Al Hilal land either Nunez or Diaz, it will mark another milestone in the league’s ambitions to disrupt the traditional European power centres. For Liverpool, the coming weeks will be a litmus test of Arne Slot’s project and FSG’s vision.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like more than just routine transfer speculation. On one hand, Darwin Nunez leaving wouldn’t come as a shock. While he showed flashes of promise, his lack of composure in front of goal and misfiring touch made him an enigma. Slot’s decision to play him less frequently tells you all you need to know – he’s not central to the Dutchman’s plans. Cashing in now, especially if a decent offer comes, feels pragmatic.

Luis Diaz, however, is a different story. The lad plays with heart, flair, and unpredictability – a classic Liverpool wide man. Yes, €80m is tempting, but only if it’s reinvested wisely. Mbeumo’s name being floated doesn’t entirely reassure; he’s solid, but he’s not a game-changer like Diaz. You don’t sell Diaz unless you’ve already got someone better (or at least equally effective) coming through the door.

Also, with a title to defend and Champions League football returning, depth will be crucial. Letting go of two first-team forwards in one window is a massive risk. If this is Slot’s Liverpool 2.0, it needs to evolve without dismantling what made it successful in the first place.

Let’s just hope the club isn’t tempted by Saudi millions at the expense of squad quality and identity.