Darwin Núñez Completes Move to Al-Hilal in Latest Saudi Pro League Star Signing
The Saudi Pro League continues to attract top talent, with Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez completing his transfer from Liverpool to Al-Hilal on Saturday. The deal, reportedly worth £46.3 million (approximately $62 million), sees Núñez sign a three-year contract with the Saudi Arabian powerhouse.
The move underscores the ambitious recruitment drive underway in Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish the nation as a major force in global football. This latest acquisition follows the arrival of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez, signaling a clear intent to elevate the league’s profile and competitiveness.
Al-Hilal Rebuilds After Neymar’s Departure
Al-Hilal, boasting a record 19 Saudi League titles and four Asian championships, has been actively seeking reinforcements following the departure of Brazilian superstar Neymar in January. While the club reportedly pursued other high-profile targets, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes before the Club World Cup in June, and former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Núñez ultimately became their latest addition.
Núñez’s time at Liverpool was marked by both brilliance and inconsistency. He scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds and was part of the team that won the Premier League title last season. However, he struggled to cement a consistent starting position, making only one league start since the beginning of the year and registering seven goals in 47 total appearances during the previous campaign.
Liverpool Strengthens Attack Amidst Núñez Exit
Liverpool has been proactive in bolstering its attacking options this summer, securing the signings of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Reports also suggest the club has shown interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, suggesting a strategic shift in forward personnel. Given this strengthening of the squad, Núñez’s departure was perhaps anticipated.
The influx of talent into the Saudi Pro League began with Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2022 and has rapidly gained momentum. “Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a destination for players seeking competitive salaries and a new challenge,” noted one analyst.
A Star-Studded Squad Awaits Núñez
Al-Hilal already possesses a formidable squad, having recently eliminated Manchester City in a stunning upset at the Club World Cup. The team features established stars such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrović. The team will be guided by Simone Inzaghi, a two-time Champions League runner-up.
Despite its impressive history, Al-Hilal was surpassed by Al-Ittihad for the Saudi League title last season, adding further motivation to its current recruitment efforts. The arrival of Núñez is expected to significantly enhance the team’s attacking prowess and bolster its chances of reclaiming domestic dominance.
