Darwin Núñez and the Saudi Shadow Over Liverpool’s Summer Rebuild

Núñez Future Under the Microscope

Darwin Núñez arrived at Liverpool with the weight of expectation, an £85 million signing meant to spearhead a new era. But with just 5 goals and 3 assists in 25 league games this season, and only one start since January, the writing appears to be on the wall. As reported by DaveOKop.com, Liverpool are actively considering selling Núñez to fund an attacking overhaul.

Negotiations with Saudi clubs were “active and transparent” during the January window, according to Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Aswat. While a £70 million bid from Al-Nassr was rebuffed mid-season, the club’s stance may soften this summer with no silverware left to chase and new reinforcements needed.

Interest from Saudi PIF Clubs Gathers Momentum

Four Saudi Pro League giants — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli — are reportedly circling, with Liverpool’s openness to offers suggesting a deal could be revived.

“Al-Nassr made a verbal offer to Liverpool for the Uruguayan striker on January 18, but the proposal was immediately rejected.”
This approach came while Liverpool remained in contention on multiple fronts. However, the shift in priorities and Núñez’s fading influence could open the door this time around.

Al-Nassr eventually turned to Colombian forward Jhon Duran. Now, the Saudis are poised to return, this time buoyed by Liverpool’s potential need to recoup funds.

Broader Saudi Strategy May Impact Liverpool Further

The Saudi appetite extends beyond Núñez. The same report notes that Kaoru Mitoma and Luis Díaz also feature on shopping lists. Saudi clubs are said to be operating with fluid strategies, targeting player profiles rather than assigning deals to specific clubs.

“This flexible approach was evident in recent deals, such as Duran’s move… and Brazilian winger Galeno, who started talks with Al-Ittihad before transferring to Al-Ahly.”

Liverpool may find themselves fielding bids from multiple Saudi sides, a potential windfall in what is likely to be a pivotal summer for Arne Slot’s reign.

Crucial Summer Awaits at Anfield

With £76.8 million already paid for Núñez, and another £8.5 million potentially due, Liverpool will not recoup their full investment. But the interest from the financially robust Saudi PIF clubs brings an opportunity.

“The news comes as good news for Liverpool, as it is the four aforementioned PIF clubs that have the money to pay big transfer fees for players in Europe.”

It may well be a case of cutting losses to build again.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel disappointed. Darwin Núñez was meant to be the future of our forward line — a blend of pace, chaos and potential. But as another season fades, it’s clear that Arne Slot doesn’t fully trust him. If we’re being honest, Núñez hasn’t delivered the consistency expected of an £85 million striker.

That said, selling him now feels like a backwards step, unless there’s a nailed-on replacement ready to come in. Saudi money might soften the financial blow, but it still leaves us looking at yet another attacking rebuild, barely three years after overhauling the front three.

The interest in Luis Díaz is even more alarming. If both leave, we’re suddenly looking at replacing nearly our entire wing-forward structure, with Mohamed Salah potentially heading into his final year too.

What’s worrying is not just the potential departures, but whether we’ve got the recruitment lined up. These next few months will tell us a lot about the club’s ambition and ability to evolve under Arne Slot.

Selling Núñez may make financial sense, but emotionally? It leaves a bitter taste.