Darwin Nunez holds talks over most unexpected transfer of the summer so far

Darwin Nunez's future has taken an unexpected turn after it emerged that the former Liverpool striker is currently in talks over a summer move to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United.

The 27-year-old striker is expected to leave Al Hilal, just a year after joining the club from Liverpool in a deal worth £46.3million.

Nunez is said to earn an eye-watering £400,000-a-week wage at the Saudi Pro League club, which makes him one of the highest-paid players in world football, but his time in Riyadh has been nothing short of disastrous.

Following the arrival of Karim Benzema in January, Nunez was removed from Al Hilal's squad list for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.

For those unaware, Saudi clubs are only allowed to register eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man squads and to many people's surprise, Nunez was cut alongside former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari.

"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," said Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi, who added: "Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players."

Nunez is set to leave Al Hilal this summer. Image credit: Getty

After scoring six goals in 14 Saudi Pro League games last season, it appears Nunez will depart the Riyadh-based club in the coming weeks, with a number of teams being linked with a move.

Last month, a report from Italian outlet Tuttosport claimed former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is keen to sign the Uruguay international following his appointment at AC Milan.

Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his situation, although a move to MLS side Atlanta United appears to be more likely at this stage.

Talks have commenced over a deal, according to a report from The Athletic, which suggests they are not yet advanced, but the ambitious US outfit are also simultaneously negotiating to sign Rennes forward Breel Embolo.

Darwin Nunez has previously said how much he misses Liverpool

Earlier this year, Nunez explained what he misses most about being a Liverpool player. Asked whether he missed Liverpool, Nunez replied: “Yes, I’d be lying if I said no, that I don’t miss them.

“The truth is they made me feel very good and my family too. In difficult moments that I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support and that was very important to me."

The striker added: “Obviously I miss Liverpool, I miss them a lot.”