Darwin Nunez set to inflict misery on Cristiano Ronaldo as Saudi move works out

Darwin Nunez left Liverpool in the summer after winning the Premier League last season, and he is on course to add another trophy to his collection with Al-Hilal

Darwin Nunez and Al-Hilal are leading Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League standings(Image: AFP or licensors)

Darwin Nunez could be set to end the season as a domestic champion for a second successive campaign.

The Uruguay international was part of the Liverpool team that won the Premier League last season, but he was sold in the offseason as the Reds made room for new striker signings Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. While Ekitike and Isak won't be getting their hands on the Premier League trophy this season, Nunez is in pole position to win the Saudi Pro League with new club Al-Hilal.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr topped the standings after winning each of its opening 10 games, but the last five games have yielded just one win, leaving Al-Nassr in second place, on 34 points from 15 games.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, has put together a 12-game winning streak in the league to move well clear of Al-Nassr, with Nunez and Co now sitting on 41 points from 15 games.

Nunez has appeared 12 times for Al-Hilal in the Pro League – including 10 starts – scoring six goals.

Ronaldo is still the division's top dog as far as goal-scoring is concerned, though, with 15 to his name.

Nunez left Liverpool last year(Image: Getty Images)

Nunez spent three seasons at Liverpool after joining the Reds from Benfica in 2022, but he ultimately failed to deliver on the promise that tempted the Reds to commit £85 million ($114 million) to signing him.

The 26-year-old tallied double figures in each of his first two seasons with Liverpool, but the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024 spelt bad news for Nunez, who was primarily used as a substitute by Arne Slot.

Nunez appeared 47 times for Liverpool in all competitions last term, but only 17 of those came as a starter, and he managed just seven goals.

Upon confirmation of his departure from Liverpool, Nunez shared a farewell message on social media, writing: “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."