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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Oli Gent

Darwin Nunez: Liverpool confirm striker sale as Alexander Isak pursuit given boost

Liverpool have confirmed the sale of Darwin Nunez, who has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on a permanent deal.

The Uruguayan, who moved to Anfield back in 2022, completed a switch to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth a reported £56.6million.

Nunez joined the Reds for an initial £64m from Benfica, although add-ons took the total package to £85m.

In his three years on Merseyside, Nunez played 143 games for Liverpool, scoring 40 goals in all competitions.

Nunez’s exit could give the Premier League champions’ chances of signing Newcastle striker Alexander Isak a real boost.

The funds from Nunez’s sale could go towards another bid for the Swedish international, after Arne Slot’s side saw a first bid worth £110m plus add-ons turned down by the Magpies, who are reportedly holding out for closer to £150m.

Isak wants to leave St James’ Park, and is training alone with his future up in the air.

Liverpool have already got one over Newcastle this summer with the signing of Hugo Ekitike, who they landed for £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt after the Toon had tabled an official bid.

Eddie Howe’s side were gazumped for their next target, too, when Manchester United stole in to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

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