According to ESPN, Liverpool has agreed to sell Nunez to Al Hilal for approximately 61.5 million USD. This figure is considerably less than the 105 million USD Liverpool paid to acquire the Uruguayan striker from Benfica in the summer of 2022.

Darwin Nunez celebrates a goal during Liverpool's friendly match against Bilbao at Anfield on 4/8. _Photo: Liverpool FC_

The deal now hinges on Nunez's willingness to move to Saudi Arabia. If personal terms are agreed upon with Al Hilal, the 26-year-old striker will depart Anfield.

Al Nassr, another Saudi Pro League club, previously made an offer in January, which Liverpool rejected. This summer, Napoli and AC Milan also expressed interest in Nunez but failed to meet Liverpool's asking price.

Nunez has not lived up to expectations at Anfield. Over three seasons, he scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists in 143 appearances. Last season, he primarily served as a backup under Arne Slot, netting 5 goals and contributing two assists in the Premier League.

The sale of Nunez would provide Liverpool with additional funds to pursue Isak. Liverpool submitted a 162 million USD bid, which Newcastle promptly rejected, demanding a record-breaking 200 million USD.

Isak has expressed his desire to join Liverpool and has reportedly been isolated at Newcastle's training ground. Manager Eddie Howe has instructed the 25-year-old striker to train separately and excluded him from a team barbecue on 6/8.

Isak was previously absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour in Singapore and South Korea. Newcastle initially attributed his absence to a minor thigh injury, but subsequent medical examinations revealed no issues.

Alexander Isak shields the ball from Virgil van Dijk during a Premier League match between Newcastle and Liverpool at St James Park on 4/12/2024. _Photo: AFP_

Instead of remaining at Newcastle for treatment or rehabilitation, Isak traveled to northern Spain to train individually at his former club, Real Sociedad.

In South Korea, Eddie Howe issued a warning to his players: "You have to earn the right to train with us. This is Newcastle, and every player has a responsibility to the team. No one has the right to behave unprofessionally and still retain their place in the squad."

Newcastle is facing difficulties in finding a replacement for Isak. They have missed out on several targets, including Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Bryan Mbeumo (Man Utd), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), and are about to lose Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd.

Newcastle's shortlist now includes Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Yoane Wissa (Brentford), and Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea).

Compiled by Hong Duy