Darwin Nunez 'makes decision on Saudi transfer' as Liverpool close on £85m Hugo Ekitike

Darwin Nunez has reportedly decided that he would be open to joining a club in the Saudi Pro League this summer. The Uruguayan has been put in the shop window by Liverpool as Arne Slot does not view him as a long-term feature in his plans.

And the process has been accelerated by the Reds' pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, outlining the fact that Slot is ready to take the centre-forward role in a new direction. Napoli had shown strong interest in Nunez, but Liverpool are determined to recoup a significant proportion of the £85million package they agreed with Benfica in 2022.

Their £65m asking price is understood to have spooked Napoli chiefs, who have now walked away from the negotiating table. Fortunately for Nunez, he still has other admirers. And fortunately for Liverpool, they have deep pockets.

According toTBR Football, Al-Hilal are among a handful of Saudi sides who are keen on Nunez and would be willing to meet Liverpool's financial demands. And the same report states that Nunez would be open to taking the next step of his career in the Middle East.

Not long ago, the 26-year-old was one of the hottest strikers in Europe, scoring 34 goals across all competitions in 2021/22. But his momentum stalled after arriving at Anfield.

Last season was Nunez's worst since he moved to Europe, managing just seven goals in 47 games overall. His Premier League contributions became fewer and further between as the season wore on, with none of his outings lasting longer than 33 minutes from early March onwards.

Liverpool are on a mission to offset some of their huge transfer outlay from the current window. They are closing in on £200m spent following big-money deals for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

They have made a fraction of that money back through selling Nat Phillips, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah, as well as banking the fee Real Madrid paid to release Trent Alexander-Arnold from his contract early.

But Liverpool are about to splash out again on Ekitike after swooping in ahead of Newcastle to agree personal terms with the French star. He could command the exact same transfer fee as Nunez did three years ago, with Frankfurt reportedly valuing him at £85m.