Nunez to Al Hilal
From Anfield's Chaos to the Golden Sand: Darwin Núñez's Record-Breaking Move to Al-Hilal
In a transfer that marks a definitive end to an era at Anfield and a new beginning in the Middle East, Darwin Núñez has completed a high-profile move from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal. The transfer brings to a close a tumultuous yet memorable three-year spell in England for the Uruguayan striker, who now embarks on a fresh challenge in a league rapidly becoming a global football destination.
The transfer fee, a substantial initial €53 million (£46.2 million), with an additional €12 million (£10.4 million) in potential add-ons, makes Núñez one of the most expensive signings in Saudi Pro League history. This significant financial package provides a crucial cash injection for Liverpool as they continue to rebuild their squad under new manager Arne Slot. Núñez, in turn, has been rewarded with a lucrative three-year contract that is set to see his annual earnings skyrocket. Reports suggest his new salary could be around €20 million, nearly tripling his previous wages at Liverpool and placing him among the highest-paid players in the world.
Núñez's time at Liverpool was a whirlwind of contrasts. Arriving for a then-club-record fee, he was immediately saddled with immense pressure to replace Sadio Mané. His tenure was defined by a chaotic and unpredictable playing style that saw him blend moments of breathtaking brilliance with baffling misses. While his finishing could be erratic, his raw pace, tireless work rate, and ability to disrupt defenses made him a fan favorite under former manager Jürgen Klopp. His final season at Anfield, however, saw his playing time become less consistent as he struggled to fully integrate into the new tactical system of Arne Slot.
At Al-Hilal, Núñez will join a star-studded squad managed by Simone Inzaghi and featuring a wealth of international talent, including Sergej Milinković-Savić, Rúben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aleksandar Mitrović. The opportunity to play a central role for a club with massive ambitions and compete for domestic and continental titles was a key factor in his decision.
A Career Built on Goals and Determination
Before his high-profile move to England, Núñez had already established a reputation as a lethal goalscorer in both Portugal and Spain. His career trajectory from a young prodigy in Uruguay to a European powerhouse striker set the stage for his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool.
Career Statistics (Club):
CA Peñarol (2017–2019): 22 appearances, 4 goals.
UD Almería (2019–2020): 32 appearances, 16 goals.
SL Benfica (2020–2022): 85 appearances, 48 goals. His standout season came in 2021-22, where he scored 26 goals in 28 league games, earning him the Bola de Prata as the Primeira Liga's top scorer.
Liverpool (2022–2025): 143 appearances, 40 goals.
Major Achievements:
Premier League Champion: 1 (2024-25, with Liverpool)
English League Cup Winner: 1 (2023-24, with Liverpool)
English Super Cup Winner: 1 (2022-23, with Liverpool)
Liga Portugal Top Goalscorer: 1 (2021-22, with SL Benfica)
Uruguayan Champion: 2 (2017, 2018, with CA Peñarol)
Núñez's move to Al-Hilal is a defining moment for a player who has consistently overcome adversity and high expectations throughout his career. While his departure from Liverpool may be viewed with a touch of bittersweet emotion by the Anfield faithful, it presents an exciting new challenge for a player determined to cement his legacy on a global stage.