1 week ago
26
Jamie Carragher had already foreseen Darwin Nunez's likely departure from Liverpool last season.
The forward became the third most expensive player in Reds' history in 2022 when he was signed for a reported $85 million (£64m) plus add-ons. However, three years later, the Uruguayan has struggled to consistently perform, leading Arne Slot to consider offers for him.
He managed only five goals in the Premier League last season and seven across all competitions, earning his first league title in Europe. Following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich this summer, the Premier League champions seem on the verge of letting Nunez go.
According to The Athletic, Al-Hilal have reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool to sign the striker. It is believed that the Saudi Pro League team, managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, have agreed a fee of $61M (£46m) plus add-ons for his services.
Nunez has reportedly shown willingness to complete the move by discussing his personal terms. His sale would free up funds for another attempt at signing Alexander Isak, after their initial offer of $146M (£110m) was turned down by Newcastle, reports the Mirror.
Many viewed last season as Nunez's final opportunity to prove himself as the club's main striker. But with just four goals to his name by December, Carragher predicted his time on Merseyside wouldn't last much longer.
During an appearance back in December on The Overlap, the Liverpool legend told Ian Wright that Nunez's erratic nature isn't a trait found in elite players and confessed he doubted the striker would remain at the club for another campaign.
Carragher said: "We said we don't know what he is going to do, so how will the defenders? Nobody ever says that about a good player, do they? I'm not sure he will be here next season, I think Liverpool will move him on."
Arsenal icon Wright added: "I never know what is going to happen with Nunez when he goes through. I would've thought for that price we would have seen a lot more from him by now. It is not going to be any different to what he is now."
Nunez's standout moment last campaign arrived when he struck twice late on to defeat Brentford in what proved a crucial triumph during Liverpool's pursuit of the Premier League crown. Nevertheless, he also endured public criticism from Slot, who challenged the forward's commitment after spurning a golden opportunity in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The Dutch manager clarified that his frustration stemmed not from Nunez squandering the chance, but from his poor application afterwards – a critique he directed at his player on two occasions.
"First of all, I helped him by saying you can miss a chance," Slot said. "I wasn't only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.
"I always try to be honest with my players and be honest as I can to you guys as well where I always try to protect my players so I don't say he never worked hard. I know him differently. I know him at Villa at home where he made a 100 metre sprint and scored a goal.
"I know him when he came on at City at home and was pressing really aggressively and wins the ball back and we score. But I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much. That's why I addressed it."
Should Nunez secure his switch to Saudi Arabia, his departure would leave Slot with just Hugo Ekitike as the club's sole recognised striker, whilst players such as Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa could deputise in the central forward role.
English (US) ·