Uruguay international Darwin Núñez has officially left Liverpool to join Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal in a €53 million transfer. The 26-year-old striker, who had gradually lost his place as a starter in the Premier League side, is seeking a fresh challenge in the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League. 

The decision comes at a transitional moment for both player and club. While Napoli had expressed interest in signing Núñez to strengthen their attacking options, it was the Saudi offer that convinced both the player and Liverpool to part ways. 

At Al-Hilal, Núñez will line up alongside a roster packed with international stars, including João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Renan Lodi.

The Riyadh-based club, which recently reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Manchester City, has firmly established itself as a major force in Middle Eastern football. 

During his spell with Liverpool, Núñez made 143 appearances, scoring 40 goals and providing 23 assists. He also lifted three trophies: the 2022 Community Shield, the 2024 League Cup, and the 2024/25 Premier League title.

However, his role in the squad gradually diminished under Jürgen Klopp and more recently as part of Arne Slot’s rebuild. 

The move underscores the shifting dynamics of the global football market, where emerging leagues like the Saudi Pro League are increasingly able to attract top talent in their prime—often outbidding Europe’s most traditional competitions. 

For Núñez, Al-Hilal becomes his fifth professional club, following stints at Peñarol, Almería, Benfica, and Liverpool. His contract is set to run until 2028.