Darwin Nunez could make shock move from Al-Hilal

Argentine outlet Olé reported that intermediaries recently contacted River Plate to gauge whether the club might be interested in Nunez. The exchange was described as an initial exploratory call rather than a formal approach, and River are believed to have around £14 million available for squad reinforcements.

Manager Marcelo Gallardo is said to admire Nunez, but a permanent transfer appears financially unrealistic for the Argentine club. A loan deal, depending on Al-Hilal’s willingness to negotiate, is considered the only practical possibility.

Nunez remains under contract in Saudi Arabia until 2028, and this is not the first time his future has been the subject of speculation. Last November, former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly publicly suggested that Nunez would be an ideal signing for his former team.

A stop-start spell in Saudi Arabia

Nunez joined Al-Hilal in the summer in a deal worth up to £56.5 million after three challenging seasons at Liverpool. His transfer from Benfica cost Liverpool at least £65 million, and although he showed flashes of potential, he ultimately finished with 40 goals in 143 appearances.

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Liverpool kept him through last January as they competed on several fronts under Arne Slot. During that period he delivered two dramatic stoppage-time goals against Brentford, but his playing time decreased as the club pushed toward the Premier League title.

Since moving to the Saudi Pro League, he has contributed five goals and two assists in 11 matches, but recurring knee problems have interrupted his progress.

Liverpool’s new-look front line adjusting

Back at Anfield, Liverpool are also adjusting to changes in their attack. Alexander Isak, their major attacking signing this summer, scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a 2-0 win at West Ham.

His composed finish offered some relief after a difficult start to life at the club. He had previously scored in a Carabao Cup match but has struggled for rhythm following his move from Newcastle United.

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Hugo Ekitike made only a short appearance from the bench, and Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute. Slot now faces the challenge of managing a crowded forward group, balancing form, fitness, and competition for minutes across the front line.

Sources: Olé, SPORTbible.

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