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Darwin Nunez maintained his excellent form in Saudi Arabia on Saturday when he netted in Al-Hilal's concluding pre-season fixture.
The Uruguayan, who departed Anfield to join the Saudi Pro League club earlier this month in a transfer valued at a potential $73 million (£54m), struck the target during a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Al-Fayha.
Since arriving at Al-Hilal, Nunez has scored in three successive pre-season matches for Simone Inzaghi's squad. Taking to Instagram following Saturday evening's encounter, the 26-year-old posted: "Focus on what's ahead." When Nunez departed Liverpool to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League a fortnight ago, it concluded his disappointing spell as a Liverpool player.
The forward arrived at Anfield from Benfica in a then-potential club-record transfer, valued at $115 million (£85m), during June 2022.
However, throughout his period on Merseyside, he battled for consistency and recorded merely 20 Premier League strikes during his opening two campaigns, before his concluding season witnessed him utilised infrequently by Arne Slot, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Nevertheless, Nunez did assist Liverpool in securing the Community Shield, Carabao Cup and Premier League prior to his departure.
Posting on Instagram when his move to Al-Hilal was announced, Nunez stated: "Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it's time to say goodbye.
"I'll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.
"I leave with a full heart - thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.
"Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates, thank you, and all the very best for the future. YNWA."
Liverpool returns to action against Newcastle on Monday. Speaking ahead of the match, Slot was issued a warning over Liverpool's transfer dealings.
Slot's fellow Dutchman Wim Kieft, the former international striker who now works as a leading pundit in Holland, believes the expectations at Anfield will climb even higher should the Reds manage to secure a deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle before the transfer window shuts.
"I still think it is wrong to think that Slot's ideas and methods are head and shoulders above the visions of other managers. He has been pumping fresh blood in his team of champions with big-money signings - and he had a decent team!"
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