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Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is already taking well to life in Saudi Arabia. The mercurial Uruguayan forward has scored in consecutive friendlies for his new side Al-Hillal after securing a €53 million ($62 million) move from the Reds in July.
Nunez scored 40 goals in 143 games for Liverpool, but often underperformed from his expected goals tally and struggled for confidence in front of goal.
His transfer comes amid speculation that the Reds are pursuing Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. The Swedish international is still under contract with the Tyneside club, but Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Isak has "no intention" to play for Newcastle this weekend.
"Alexander Isak's plans remain clear: no intention to be part of the squad against Aston Villa, same against Liverpool next week," Romano wrote. "Isak keeps rejecting new deal approaches as his clear desire remains to join Liverpool asap."
Nunez didn't necessarily score against the stiffest competition: his goals came against FC Aarau (a second-tier Swiss side) and SV Waldhof Mannheim (a German third-tier side) in 6-0 and 3-2 wins, respectively.
Nunez's goal against Waldhof Mannheim was the third in quick succession (33rd minute) after fullbacks Theo Hernandez (21st) and Joao Cancelo (25th) found the net a minute before.
The Uruguayan finds himself in an Al-Hillal side loaded with talent, including Salem Al-Dawsari, Ruben Neves, Bono, Malcom, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hernandez, and Cancelo.
His exit from Liverpool was bittersweet, as Nunez often teased the potential that made former manager Jurgen Klopp sign him from Benfica for an initial £64 million in 2022.
Mohammed Salah posted an emotional message for his teammate on X. “I consider myself lucky to have had you as a teammate and friend," the Egyptian wrote.
"You were always very real and brought so much good energy wherever you went. You made us laugh and showed heart in everything you did. You will be missed, and I wish you the best in your new club.”
The club also sent Nunez off with a message. "The Uruguayan's three-year spell with the Reds concludes after he finalised a switch to the Saudi Pro League side today," it read. "Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future."
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