Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez remains a concrete target for Saudi club Al-Hilal and reliable journalist David Ornstein reports they are set to \u2018accelerate\u2019 their pursuit soon, which could have implications for Alexander Isak.<\/p>\n
The Reds are open to selling the 26-year-old Uruguayan international if they can secure a replacement, and they remain interested in Newcastle\u2019s star forward Isak.<\/p>\n
Nunez has failed to nail down a consistent spot in Liverpool\u2019s starting XI under Arne Slot and could see his minutes limited further following the \u00a379million signing of Hugo Ekitike.<\/p>\n
According to Ornstein, writing for\u00a0The Athletic<\/a>,\u00a0Al-Hilal are \u2018stepping up their efforts\u2019 to sign Nunez this summer, identifying him as their \u2018priority target\u2019 to strengthen their attack.<\/p>\n The Saudi club, managed by Simone Inzaghi, have \u2018accelerated plans\u2019 to try and lure Nunez from Anfield this summer.<\/p>\n Liverpool are yet to receive a bid for Nunez but they have been notified of Al-Hilal\u2019s interest, while the striker is \u2018receptive\u2019 to the potential move.<\/p>\n A second source, journalist Ben Jacobs<\/a>, suggests that a \u20ac70million (\u00a360.6m) bid would be enough to convince Liverpool to sell.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>:\u00a0The 25 biggest transfers in the 2025 summer transfer window: Luis Diaz in top 5<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Newcastle\u2019s owners could play into Liverpool\u2019s hands<\/strong><\/p>\n The saga surrounding Nunez comes as Liverpool consider launching a new, improved bid for Newcastle talisman Isak after seeing their opening \u00a3110m bid rejected.<\/p>\n TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher exclusively revealed on July 28 that Nunez is one of the players Liverpool could sell to help fund a move for Isak<\/a>, who is valued at \u00a3150m by Newcastle.<\/p>\n Liverpool don\u2019t intend to bid for Isak again unless circumstances change. For example, if Newcastle line up a replacement, such as Benjamin Sesko, or potentially, if one of their stars, like Nunez, leaves.<\/p>\n An interesting point to note is that Newcastle\u2019s owners (85%), the Saudi Arabia\u2019s sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund) also hold a 75% majority stake in Al-Hilal.<\/p>\n The interest in Nunez from Al-Hilal is reportedly driven by their manager, Inzaghi, but if they sign the Liverpool star, they could inadvertently help the Reds fund a move for Newcastle\u2019s star man Isak.<\/p>\n Nunez\u00a0made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, but started just eight times in the Premier League.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently delivered a strong message to Isak, who has been training alone ahead of the coming season, as he remains keen on joining Liverpool.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to earn the right to train with us,\u201d Howe told Mail Sport.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad \u2013 you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.<\/p>\n \u2018We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.\u2019<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS<\/strong>:\u00a0Every completed Liverpool transfer in summer 2025: Signings, exits, loans<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Latest Liverpool news<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Failed move sees Liverpool winger signing explode into life; bidding war expected<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd34\u00a0Liverpool line up move for Real Madrid \u2018world-beater\u2019 as Alexander Isak plan B \u2013 report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n