Darwin Núñez Edging Closer to Al Hilal: Will Liverpool’s Windfall Unlock £110M Isak Gamble
When Darwin Núñez first walked through the doors at Anfield in 2022, he was seen as the raw, high-ceiling forward Liverpool needed in their post-Mane era. Now, just three years on, he is preparing to walk away not with a whimper, but with one final ripple that could shape Liverpool’s attack for years to come.
Saudi giants Al Hilal are pushing hard. According to multiple sources including The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is already in place between Liverpool and Al Hilal. It is just Darwin’s decision that remains.
Al Hilal: The Offer Too Big to Ignore
Al Hilal have put forward a €53 million or £46 million proposal that could rise with performance based add ons. The move is heavily backed by their new manager Simone Inzaghi, who sees Núñez as the focal point of his revamped forward line. Inzaghi reportedly made the Uruguayan his top priority, especially after efforts to lure Victor Osimhen fell through.
Liverpool, for their part, seems ready. There is no panic, no regret, just the quiet understanding that it might be time to cut losses. Despite his undeniable work rate and willingness to improve, Núñez never quite evolved into the lethal, calm finisher Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot had hoped for. The numbers say it all. Forty goals in 143 games sounds respectable, but the opportunities missed on and off the ball often told a different story.
Núñez’s Dilemma: Adventure or Ambition?
This is not just about money, though the figures on offer are staggering. Al Hilal are reportedly offering a tax free contract that could double Núñez’s Liverpool wages. The lifestyle, the security, the hero treatment Saudi Arabia continues to appeal to players seeking a new chapter away from Europe’s relentless pressure.
Yet there is a part of Darwin that still wants to prove himself on the biggest stage. Sources suggest he is still deliberating, with some close to the player hinting that he has not ruled out staying in Europe. At the moment, however, firm interest from European giants has cooled. For now, the ball is in his court. Al Hilal are waiting. Liverpool are ready to move.
The Bigger Picture: Could This Finally Unlock Isak?
This is where the story gets interesting not for what is happening, but for what it could trigger next. Núñez’s sale could hand Liverpool the funds they need to finally make a decisive push for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
Liverpool are long time admirers of Isak. With 23 Premier League goals last season, the Swedish striker is no longer potential, he is a fully relished threat. Tall, graceful, ice cold in the box and intelligent in buildup, Isak fits the modern Liverpool blueprint like a glove.
According to FourFourTwo, the Reds have already submitted an opening bid worth £110 million, which Newcastle swiftly rejected. They want closer to £150 million, knowing Isak is under long term contract and holds immense value.
Newcastle’s Tension: Waiting for a Domino to Fall
Isak notably skipped Newcastle’s pre season tour. Instead, he trained back in Spain, expressing discontent. His camp is reportedly open to the move. Newcastle, however, are reluctant sellers unless they have a replacement lined up.
That is where the Benjamin Šeško twist enters. Newcastle were pursuing the RB Leipzig forward as a long term replacement for Isak. Šeško seems to have chose Manchester United, leaving the Magpies scrambling. Without a viable replacement, selling Isak now could weaken Eddie Howe’s squad in the crucial early stages of the season.
Still, Liverpool believe this situation is fluid. With fresh cash from the Núñez sale in their hands, they will be better positioned to increase their offer perhaps even include player swaps or structured bonuses to bridge the gap. Some insiders believe Newcastle may soften their stance by late August.
Beyond the Transfer Fees: A Tactical Upgrade
Swapping Núñez for Isak is not just financial it is a statement of intent. Núñez brought chaos, energy, and unpredictability. But with it came inconsistency, heavy touches, and moments that made fans bury their heads in their hands. Isak, by contrast, brings composure, clean technique, and a calmness Liverpool’s frontline has lacked since Firmino’s prime.
Arne Slot, known for precision pressing and fluid transitions, would benefit from Isak’s profile. While Núñez often dropped too deep or drifted wide without purpose, Isak thrives in link play and moves smartly between the lines. In short, he would complete the system, not disrupt it.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool are not just offloading Darwin Núñez. They are laying the groundwork for something more balanced, more refined. This potential change in attack is about control and clinical quality, not just chaos and raw pace. They’ve spent around 300m this summer already and it could boost to a record breaking spree if this move happens a
If Núñez gives the green light to Al Hilal, and Liverpool respond by going all in for Alexander Isak, it could be one of the most pivotal double plays of the summer window. The next few days will be telling. One decision from Núñez could set the whole thing in motion.
