Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Darwin Núñez to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in a deal worth €53m (£46m), subject to international clearance. The 26-year-old Uruguay international ends his three-year stay at Anfield, where he netted 40 goals in 143 appearances across all competitions. Signed from Benfica in 2022 for £64m, Núñez struggled for consistent form and started only eight Premier League matches during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season.
The move follows an earlier rejected bid from Al-Nassr in January, with Liverpool then unwilling to sanction a mid-season exit. This summer, however, a transfer became inevitable amid underwhelming performances and an overhaul of the forward line. His sale brings Liverpool’s summer transfer income close to £200m, with speculation mounting over a possible £40m-plus move for midfielder Harvey Elliott before the window closes.
Núñez’s departure frees up the No. 9 shirt and potentially paves the way for another major attacking addition. Liverpool remain keen on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, though a £110m offer was turned down last week. The forward line has already been reinforced with the signing of Hugo Ekitiké, part of a near-£300m spending spree aimed at maintaining their competitive edge domestically and in Europe.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, West Ham United have sealed an £18m deal for Denmark international goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester City. The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms and will link up once again with goalkeeping coach Casper Ankergren, who previously worked with him at Brøndby. Hermansen made 72 appearances for Leicester and arrives as West Ham’s new first-choice keeper following the departure of veteran Łukasz Fabiański at the end of last season.
In the Championship, Sunderland are close to securing the services of Getafe centre-back Omar Alderete. The Paraguayan defender is set to join in a deal valued at €12m (£10.4m) as the Black Cats continue to strengthen their squad in pursuit of a promotion challenge. Alderete’s arrival would bring La Liga experience and physical presence to Sunderland’s back line, addressing a key area identified by the club’s coaching staff.
With the transfer window entering its decisive weeks, clubs across the leagues are moving quickly to finalise key signings, and more high-profile deals are expected before deadline day.
