Darwin Nunez may be on the move this summer, with another Saudi Pro League club reportedly considering a bid for the Liverpool striker.
Liverpool played their first friendly of the Asia tour without both Nunez and Luis Diaz.
While Diaz’s absence was confirmed to be due to ongoing transfer talks with Bayern Munich, manager Arne Slot stated that Nunez was rested because of a minor fitness issue.
However, it is understood that Nunez could be available for transfer following Liverpool’s £79million signing of Hugo Ekitike and their expected pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Napoli have already withdrawn their interest, but Nunez still has suitors in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahli have joined Al-Hilal in expressing interest in the No. 9.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Al-Ahli are “the latest team to consider bidding” for Nunez, who attracted offers from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal in January.
Liverpool rejected those advances at the time, unwilling to sell mid-season. However, the valuation set then remains, and the club are now open to letting Nunez leave.
Al-Hilal’s interest is particularly notable given Isak’s preference to join Liverpool, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile, The Guardian’s David Hytner reports that Al-Hilal offered Isak a tax-free wage of £600,000 per week plus bonuses.
Six months ago, Al-Hilal were prepared to offer Nunez £558,000 per week, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
Now, sources in Saudi Arabia report that talks have already started under the direction of new Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and have the financial power to meet Liverpool’s valuation of Nunez — reportedly up to £70 million.
Both clubs also have clear vacancies.
Al-Ahli recently saw Firmino depart for Qatari side Al Sadd, while Ivan Toney remains a key figure, and attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga, once linked with Liverpool, left for Porto this summer.
As with many transfers involving Saudi Pro League clubs, the outcome will likely depend on Nunez’s own ambitions as well as the financial incentives offered.
Reports suggest the 26-year-old is still open to a move, just as he was in January, meaning this story could develop further in the coming days and weeks.
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