Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez remains a subject of interest for clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
Since joining the Reds from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for a potential club-record fee of £85 million, Núñez has experienced mixed fortunes. Under head coach Arne Slot, the Uruguayan striker has struggled to secure consistent playing time, raising questions about his long-term future at Anfield. This season, he has started only seven of the 20 Premier League matches he has been available for, with Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz often preferred in attack. Across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, Núñez has recorded six goals in 29 appearances.
Speculation continues to link the 25-year-old with a move away from Liverpool, with the Saudi Pro League emerging as a possible destination. However, Liverpool have been unwilling to sell him during the January transfer window, as they lead the Premier League by six points and have reached the Champions League last 16.
Saudi Interest
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Saudi clubs remain keen on signing Núñez and could reignite their pursuit in the summer. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano noted that the Saudi Pro League has long been interested in Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah, whose contract is set to expire in the summer. He stated:
“Saudi clubs have certain players they are fixated on bringing in. Vinícius Júnior is a dream target, but they also have strong admiration for Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez. Liverpool made it clear they would not sell him in January, but the interest remains.”
Slot’s Perspective
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has acknowledged that the club has yet to maximize Núñez’s potential. Speaking earlier this month, Slot explained:
“Darwin is a striker who needs to be used in a specific way, and we haven’t fully unlocked his strengths this season. Against Accrington Stanley, you saw his pace, but many teams defend deep against us, limiting his space.”
“If you look at his goals for us, one that stands out is against Aston Villa, where he rounded the goalkeeper on a counterattack. That’s his main strength, though he has other qualities. We are still working on putting him in the best possible positions against deep defensive setups—through better timing, accurate crosses, and making the right runs.”
Carragher’s View
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the club should consider selling Núñez if a significant offer comes in. Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said:
“If you’re confident the offer will still be there in the summer, you might keep him for now. But if there’s uncertainty, it’s a lot of money to turn down.”
“Under Jürgen Klopp, he was decent—not great, but okay—because of the fast-paced, chaotic style of play. Now, under Arne Slot, the game is more controlled, and he often finds himself standing still, which doesn’t suit him. I would take the risk of selling him.”