On August 6, 2025, the football world was rocked by news that Liverpool had reached an agreement with Al Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, for the transfer of striker Darwin Núñez for an initial fee of €53 million, with add-ons potentially pushing the total deal to €65 million. However, a heartfelt comment from Núñez’s girlfriend reportedly led him to reconsider leaving Anfield, where he has formed close bonds with his teammates over three seasons. Will his love for Liverpool and his camaraderie with teammates keep the Uruguayan star at the club, or will the financial allure of Al Hilal prevail?

Darwin Núñez’s Journey at Liverpool

Darwin Núñez joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for an initial transfer fee of €75 million, potentially rising to €100 million with add-ons. Expected to become a top-tier “number 9,” Núñez was seen as the long-term replacement for Roberto Firmino and a key piece in Jürgen Klopp’s squad. Over three seasons at Anfield, Núñez has scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions. However, his form has been inconsistent, particularly in the 2024-25 season, where he started only 8 Premier League matches, scoring 5 goals during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

Despite being a fan favorite for his relentless effort and fighting spirit, Núñez has often faced criticism for missing clear-cut chances and lacking clinical finishing. His shot conversion rate of 11.1% ranks him 95th among Premier League forwards, significantly lower than the 20% average for top strikers. This, combined with his struggle to fully adapt to new manager Arne Slot’s tactics, has cast uncertainty over his future at Liverpool.

The Al Hilal Deal: A Record-Breaking Transfer

According to reliable sources such as Sky Sports and The Athletic, Al Hilal secured a verbal agreement with Liverpool for a €53 million fee plus add-ons. This figure represents a significant sum, though Liverpool would incur a loss of approximately €20 million compared to what they paid for Núñez from Benfica. The deal is viewed as a strategic move by Al Hilal, a club aiming to bolster its attack with a prime-age striker to dominate the Saudi Pro League. Coached by former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal already boasts stars like Rúben Neves, João Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrović, and Núñez was expected to be the perfect addition to elevate their squad.

Núñez was granted permission to travel to Germany, where Al Hilal was holding a training camp, for a medical and to negotiate personal terms. According to Transfermarkt, he was set to sign a three-year contract with a lucrative salary, making him one of the brightest stars in Saudi football. If completed, this transfer would mark Liverpool’s fourth-largest player sale in history, surpassing deals for Fernando Torres and Raheem Sterling.

A Comment from His Girlfriend: Love for Liverpool

Amid the pivotal decision to leave, a comment from Núñez’s girlfriend, Lorena Mañas, reportedly gave him pause. In a private moment, Lorena is said to have told him, “Anfield is home, and your teammates are family. Are you sure you want to leave that behind?” This struck a chord with Núñez, a player known for his emotional connection to his teammates and fans. Memorable moments like his late brace against Brentford or his goal in the 2022 Community Shield have forged a special bond with Liverpool supporters and teammates such as Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah.

Núñez once spoke about his affection for Liverpool: “The fans here are special. They sing my name even when I miss chances. I don’t want to leave that behind.” The love from the supporters and his close relationships with teammates have made him reconsider his potential departure, despite Al Hilal’s financially tempting offer.

Núñez’s Future and Liverpool’s Plans

If Núñez chooses to stay, Liverpool will need to find ways to better integrate him into Arne Slot’s system, which favors a more versatile forward. Conversely, if the Al Hilal deal goes through, Liverpool is expected to use the funds to pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, valued at €110 million. Núñez’s departure would also cap a busy summer for Liverpool, with transfer sales totaling €251 million after deals involving Luis Díaz and Jarrell Quansah.

Regardless of Núñez’s decision, his story at Liverpool has been an emotional journey, filled with high expectations, moments of brilliance, and challenges in adapting. Will his love for Anfield and his girlfriend’s words be enough to keep him at the club, or will the allure of the Saudi Pro League win out? Only time will tell.