Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent move from Liverpool three years after joining, with the striker signing for Al-Hilal in a deal worth an initial £46 million.
Nunez captured the imaginations of supporters when he arrived at Liverpool from Benfica in a club-record £85 million deal in 2022.
But three years on the Uruguayan has left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal having failed to live up to expectations.
Liverpool agreed a transfer worth an initial £46 million earlier this week, which despite being a loss on their outlay from three years ago represents a sizeable profit on their books.
After undergoing a medical at their training camp in Germany on Friday, Nunez’s switch to Al-Hilal is now official.
The deal will rise further with add-ons built into the clubs’ agreement.
This Is Anfield understands Nunez had already pushed for a move to Saudi Arabia in January amid strong interest from Al-Nassr.
But Liverpool rejected all advances mid-season as they were eager to avoid weakening their squad during a campaign which ended with Arne Slot‘s side lifting the Premier League title.
There were further advances from Serie A this summer, with Napoli seeing an offer rejected having failed to present a realistic package both in terms of transfer fee and payment structure.
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With Al-Hilal backed with significant funds and Nunez a priority target for head coach Simone Inzaghi, Liverpool were able to strike a deal which came close to their valuation.
Nunez scored 40 goals and assisted another 22 in 143 appearances for the club, but struggled to hold down a first-choice role under both Jurgen Klopp and then Slot.
Liverpool have now recouped almost £200 million in transfer fees so far this summer.
Liverpool will look to sign a new striker
Liverpool have already signed a new striker this summer in Hugo Ekitike and This Is Anfield understands they are exploring the market to replace Nunez.
The obvious choice would be Alexander Isak, with the champions expected to return with an improved bid for the Swede when Newcastle sign a new leading centre-forward.
Any further addition to Slot’s forward ranks must be of sufficient quality to start, represent fair market value and be realistically attainable.
Those within the club’s recruitment team are also conscious not to block the pathway of 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, as is the case with 18-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni, and therefore the next arrival is very likely to be a No. 9.
Liverpool already have a variety of options in their attack with specialists Ekitike, Ngumoha, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo also supported by the versatile Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones among others.