Al Hilal’s Warning Shot as Liverpool Seek Resolution on Darwin Nunez
Liverpool’s summer plans could hinge on one of the trickiest questions facing the club’s recruitment team: how to move on Darwin Nunez without taking a financial hit. The Uruguayan forward, once viewed as a marquee signing, is now at a crossroads. Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency has left both fans and hierarchy unconvinced that he’s the long-term solution up front for Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning side.
Nunez’s deal, loaded with performance-related add-ons, could eventually make him Liverpool’s most expensive player. But as things stand, Virgil van Dijk retains that distinction, and the Anfield hierarchy may feel reluctant to absorb such a heavy outlay without a corresponding return. That explains why Liverpool are playing hardball in negotiations, particularly with interest from Saudi Arabia heating up.
Photo: IMAGO
Al Hilal’s Stance Offers Insight into Transfer Strategy
One of the leading contenders to secure Nunez’s signature is Al Hilal. The Saudi Pro League giants have been in contact regarding a potential move, but their CEO, Esteve Calzada, has made it abundantly clear that the club will not be dragged into overpaying for players who lack commitment.
“We are targeting the biggest players,” said Calzada. “We are very ambitious, but we need to see hunger from the player himself and the transaction needs to work out both ways.
“The only thing we’ve been trying to remind players and agents is that yes, we are from Saudi, but we don’t print notes here!
“My role as CEO is to make sure we run the club efficiently, so that we can have the biggest budget possible to have big players, but not at any cost.
“That’s why sometimes we basically walk away from negotiations, because we still want players extremely keen on coming, and not only looking for the money.”
It’s a message that feels as much aimed at Liverpool as it is at Nunez and his representatives. Al Hilal want talent, yes, but on their terms — not merely to serve as a financial lifeline for European clubs with underperforming assets.
Photo: IMAGO
Slot Faces Tough Calls on Attacking Reshuffle
While Liverpool look to evolve under Slot’s leadership, Nunez is not the only forward whose future is uncertain. Luis Diaz has also been linked with a move away, and with Federico Chiesa on the club’s radar, there’s a growing sense that this could be a transformative summer for the Reds’ front line.
However, for Slot to reshape his attack effectively, Liverpool need to sell first. That requires interested buyers — and more importantly, motivated players. If clubs like Al Hilal step away from the negotiating table, Liverpool may find themselves with a surplus of players but no means to bring in reinforcements.
Selling Smart Could Define Liverpool’s Summer
Ultimately, Liverpool’s ability to sell Nunez could define how aggressive they can be in the remainder of the transfer window. They have targets, ambitions and a fresh identity under Slot. But in the financial ecosystem of modern football, ambition alone doesn’t pay the bills.
If Saudi suitors back off, it becomes harder to move players on at prices Liverpool consider acceptable. And that could leave the club in limbo, balancing high expectations with an unbalanced squad.
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