Latest developments
- Al-Hilal have made an ambitious move for Darwin Nunez.
- The Saudi Pro League outfit are looking for Neymar's replacement.
- Liverpool have turned down their first offer for their striker.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Exit suggestions gathering pace
Al-Hilal have seen their bid, believed to be in the region of £70 million, for Darwin Nunez turned down by Liverpool, as director Michael Edwards is looking to bag a higher fee for the out of favour striker.
The story comes from Anfield Watch. Question marks remain over their sources but the suggestion of Nunez potentially leaving Anfield isn't a surprise anymore.
Value (3/5): Liverpool want more
The Reds may have turned down Al-Hilal's bid but they are open to his exit this month. They reportedly value the 25-year-old at around £85 million but would consider bids in the region of £75 million.
As such, it seems the ball is in Saudi Arabia's court and their next move may depend on just how much they want the Uruguayan in their league.
Suitability (1.5/5): Neymar's replacement
The report suggests the Saudi Pro side want Darwin as Neymar's replacement. The ex-Benfica man has experience of playing out wide. However, he is primarily a centre-forward so replacing one of the best left-wingers of all time may prove to be tricky for him, and the move, in that regard, makes little sense, tactically.
Upgrade? (2/5): Al-Hilal have top strikers
Nunez, who has four goals to his name this season, thrives when playing through the middle but even that may prove to be tough for him in Saudi as the Riyadh-based outfit boasts two top strikers in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marcos Leonardo.
Akin to Anfield, he may find himself warming the bench at Al Jouf University Sports Stadium as well.
Logic (2.5/5): Should look for other options
Nunez is still young and if money isn't his priority, a move to Al-Hilal doesn't appear best for his career. Likewise, the Saudi giants would do well to look for a natural left-winger to replace Neymar rather than splurging big on a struggling striker.
Whisper+ verdict: 12/25
Arne Slot's recent comments over Nunez's ability and the Dutchman's decision to overlook him consistently suggest the player will depart Merseyside sooner rather than later. However, unless Al-Hilal step up their efforts, it's tough to see him plying his trade in the Gulf kingdom at this juncture of his career.
