Shocking Saudi U-turn to SEAL Darwin Nunez's Liverpool fate

The Liverpool future of Darwin Nunez looked under immediate threat during the January transfer window.

The Reds’ No9 was the subject of intense transfer interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, who saw an initial £70 million approach blocked. Liverpool value Darwin at £85m but the club would probably have been willing to deal for £75m.

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Under contract until 2028 and boasting a £140,000 per week salary, signing Nunez would be no easy task for any interested teams.

Now it’s emerged that the 25-year-old is intending to stay and fight for his spot in the team, buoyed by his two-goal salvo against Brentford in the Premier League last weekend.

It looks like the Uruguay international will be remaining at Anfield and the indications from Saudi Arabia are that teams interested in Darwin are ready to move on to other targets.

Saudis want Boniface

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has endured a frustrating campaign.

The 24-year-old Bundesliga winner actually got off to a great start this term, scoring six goals in his first 10 league games, but has had to watch on as Patrick Schick racks up the goals in his place.

Boniface, 24, was injured on international duty for Nigeria in November and is yet to make his comeback.

And now Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Saudi teams are looking to Boniface as a Nunez alternative. He is available for €50m this January, with teams ready to pounce for the frontman should no deal come available for Nunez.

“Various clubs from Saudi Arabia are monitoring Victor Boniface’s situation and are considering making an offer before Deadline Day if a move for LFC’s Darwin Núñez does not materialise,” the reporter wrote on X.

“Leverkusen are aware of the interest from Saudi Arabia and England. While Boniface is not considered unsellable, Bayer 04 are demanding a transfer fee of at least €50m.”

And while Al Hilal are not named as suitors, it is safe to assume they are in the chasing pack as a result of their so-far unfulfilled interest in Nunez.

This could well represent another boost in the Liverpool career of Nunez, a spell which began in 2022 and looked all but over just a few short weeks ago.

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