Report: Darwin Nunez's mega-move to Al-Hilal sparks Liverpool's transfer blitz

The Reds are balancing hefty spending with significant sales, positioning themselves for further marquee signings before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

Al-Hilal have secured a verbal agreement with Liverpool for Nunez, with the Saudi Pro League giants set to pay an initial 53 million euros plus add-ons, potentially pushing the total deal past 65 million euros, according to The Athletic.

The 26-year-old Uruguayan striker, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for up to 100 million euros, has agreed personal terms, with Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reporting on X that Nunez will earn approximately 15 million euros net per year, equating to roughly 252,000 pounds per week, until 2028.

"Full agreement was reached between the clubs and Nunez on Wednesday evening," Plettenberg posted on August 7. "Medical and signing to follow as soon as possible."

The transfer marks a financial hit for Liverpool, who are set to recoup less than the initial 75 million euros they paid Benfica. Nunez scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds but struggled for consistency, starting just eight Premier League matches during their title-winning 2024-25 campaign. "He's always trying, always putting himself around," said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, reflecting on Nunez's effort despite his underwhelming 11.1% shot conversion rate.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are closing in on another major outgoing transfer, with 22-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliott in advanced talks with RB Leipzig. The England Under-21 star, who saw limited action under manager Arne Slot last season, is keen to join the Bundesliga side, per Plettenberg's August 7 X update: "Concrete negotiations between the clubs are expected to follow once a verbal agreement is in place."

Liverpool are open to a permanent deal, valuing Elliott at around 50 million pounds, though a loan with an option or obligation to buy remains possible, potentially with a buy-back clause.

The Reds have already banked significant funds this summer, with sales including Tyler Morton to Lyon for 15 million pounds and others like Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Luis Diaz. These deals, totaling around 129 million pounds, offset their record-breaking 265 million pounds spent on six new players, including Florian Wirtz (116 million pounds) and Hugo Ekitike (69 million pounds).

Liverpool's transfer activity shows no signs of slowing. They remain in the hunt for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, though the Magpies' 150 million pound valuation and their failure to secure RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as a replacement have complicated matters.

Isak, who has expressed a desire to leave Newcastle and was spotted at Anfield recently, could command a British-record fee. "It will be an amazing signing," Carragher said of Isak, though he cautioned against the Reds spending heavily on a backup striker given Ekitike's arrival.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Liverpool's interest in a "world-class" PSG star, widely speculated to be winger Bradley Barcola, though negotiations face hurdles due to his importance to the French club.

Additionally, Paul Scholes has tipped Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, valued at 50 million pounds, as an "absolutely perfect" fit for Liverpool's defence, especially with uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk's contracts.

With Nunez's exit paving the way for further investment, Liverpool are poised to strengthen their squad for a Premier League title defense. The Reds' calculated approach, balancing bold sales with strategic signings, has fans buzzing about what's next at Anfield.