Darwin Nunez Set for Unexpected Transfer After ‘Deciding To Leave Al-Hilal’

Former Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez looks set for an unexpected transfer just months after joining Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.

The Uruguayan striker moved to the Saudi Pro League club in the summer for a fee worth up to £56.5 million.

Nunez spent three years at Liverpool after signing from Benfica in a deal that cost the Merseyside club a minimum of £65 million.

However, he struggled to live up to expectations in England, having scored 40 goals across 143 appearances for the Reds.

He came close to leaving last January, but Arne Slot chose to keep him, with Liverpool still competing in four competitions at the time.

Nunez scored two crucial stoppage-time goals at Brentford in January, but his minutes became increasingly restricted as Liverpool went on to win the Premier League.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Nunez has registered five goals and two assists in 11 matches, but he has struggled with injuries, particularly knee problems.

Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring for Al-Hilal (Image: Getty)

Now, the striker is being linked with yet another move, just months after joining Al-Hilal.

According to Argentine outlet Ole, River Plate have been offered the chance to sign Nunez, although discussions have reportedly gone no further than an initial call.

The club are believed to have around £14 million available to strengthen their squad in the transfer window.

River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo is reportedly keen on Nunez and while a permanent deal would be difficult, the Argentine giants would be open to a loan move if that proves more realistic.

It is not the first time Nunez, who is under contract with Al-Hilal until 2028, has been linked with a move away from the club.

Back in November, World Cup winner and former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly suggested Nunez would be a perfect signing for his former club.

Darwin Nunez was linked with a move to Chelsea (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Nunez's replacement at Liverpool, Alexander Isak, scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds in their 2-0 win over West Ham United.

It has been a challenging start to life at Anfield for the £125 million signing, but his composed finish at the London Stadium set Arne Slot's side on their way to an important victory.

Isak had previously scored in a Carabao Cup tie against Southampton, but breaking his league duck will come as a major relief.

While the Swedish forward has struggled with fitness and injury problems, his performances have not been at the same level he showed last season for Newcastle United.

Hugo Ekitike, another high-profile summer signing, had to settle for a place on the bench and played only 23 minutes.

Talismanic forward Mohamed Salah was also named among the substitutes and did not come off the bench on Sunday.

With so many attacking options at his disposal, Slot will face increasing pressure to keep all of his forwards satisfied in the coming weeks.