Darwin Nunez makes Saudi Arabia transfer decision

Liverpool appear to be pressing ahead with plans to sign Hugo Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is available for a €100m release clause - although the latest reports indicate the Reds are trying to secure the Frenchman for less than that.

Liverpool have already spent around £200m this summer but centre-forward remains the missing piece of the puzzle.

Diogo Jota: Thank you

Arne Slot never seemed convinced by Darwin Nunez during his first season in charge at Anfield with the Uruguayan falling out of favour during the latter half of the campaign.

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That’s why links with a new No9 have been so well established over the last few months. Ekitike was not the only name on the list - with other options including Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak.

Nunez's Napoli plans fall through

Such a landmark arrival would require outgoings to balance the books - and that’s where Darwin becomes a pivotal figure.

The Reds’ most expensive ever player until the arrival of Florian Wirtz, Nunez cost the club a fee that could reach £85m when signing from Benfica back in 2022.

Liverpool are seeking to make plenty of that sum back - with a figure of £70m or so quoted for interested clubs this summer. That was too rich a deal for Napoli - who have moved on to Lorenzo Lucca as a more cost-effective signing.

It was believed that a move to the Diego Maradona Stadium appealed to Darwin with the player’s preference to remain in Europe.

But Napoli and other teams in the top league were unwilling or unable to put together a transfer fee capable of tempting Richard Hughes into a sale.

Darwin ready to consider Saudi move

Always in the background however have been Saudi Pro League teams. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal both made attempts to sign Nunez last winter but Liverpool opted against a deal due to a lack of alternatives in the market.

Recent reports in Saudi Arabia indicated however that new Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi was keen on Darwin. And now comes a fresh report from TBR Football which states the striker is now prepared to move to the SPL as avenues close to a European move.

“Darwin Nunez has indicated he is willing to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer – which is set to accelerate their interest in him,” a report reads.

“The Saudi Pro League have been waiting in the wings for Nunez as they knew his plans until last week were clear – he only wanted to join Napoli.

“The Uruguay international’s decision to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League should now see things accelerate with regards to a solution.”

Nunez sale can help Liverpool spend in the market

Now the Napoli option is off the table, it can be reasonably expected that Darwin will scrutinise offers from Al-Hilal and potentially any other suitors in the league.

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That in turn would add to Liverpool’s transfer funds - with a deal for Ekitike and possibly a centre-back to come before the end of the transfer window.

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