Darwin Núñez joked about money before signing with Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal have officially completed the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez from Liverpool in a €53 million deal, with the 26-year-old agreeing to a three-year contract. The move sees Núñez join a star-studded Saudi Pro League squad that already includes Aleksandar Mitrović and Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo.
The transfer gained an extra layer of intrigue after the Portuguese press resurfaced a humorous moment from months earlier. During a live video appearance with then-Liverpool teammate Luis Díaz, Núñez jokingly remarked that he “needed more money.” Leaning toward the show’s host, he covered his mouth and whispered, “Saudi… Come on, Saudi,” in reference to the Gulf nation’s big-money push in world football.
Al-Hilal’s long-standing interest
Reports in England indicate that Núñez had been a priority target for new coach Simone Inzaghi, who personally requested his signing ahead of the 2025/26 season. The move ends Núñez’s three-year spell at Liverpool, where he arrived in 2022 from Benfica in a €100 million transfer.
Mixed spell at Anfield
Despite flashes of quality, Núñez struggled for consistency under successive managers. Last season, he started just 8 of 47 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists. Over his Liverpool career, he amassed 143 appearances, netting 40 goals and registering 22 assists.
During his time at Anfield, Núñez won major silverware, including the Premier League, but never fully secured a permanent starting role in the attack.
A fresh challenge in Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, Núñez will be expected to adapt quickly to a new league and climate while competing for minutes in a squad brimming with attacking talent. His pace, strength, and direct style could prove decisive as Al-Hilal aim to maintain their dominance in both domestic and continental competitions.
If he finds form, Núñez’s arrival could be one of the Saudi Pro League’s most impactful moves of the summer.
“Come on Saudi”
Darwin Nunez was always ready for the Saudi call 😂 pic.twitter.com/RZjrYRLdTI
— anfield social (@anfieldsociaI) August 9, 2025
