![\"Theo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Theo-Squires-podcast.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLiverpool will look to sign a replacement for Darwin Nunez with the Uruguayan set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal<\/p>\n
07:21, 08 Aug 2025Updated 08:16, 08 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
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Theo Squires was appointed Liverpool FC Writer for the Liverpool ECHO in 2021, after covering EURO 2020 at Wembley as England reached their first major men’s final since 1966. A senior football journalist, Theo joined the ECHO’s sports team from Bolton Wanderers in 2018, having previously spent four seasons in the former Premier League side’s communications team where he ran the club’s website and social media channels.
\nA regular in the Anfield press box since joining the ECHO, since being promoted to Liverpool FC Writer, Theo has reported on Jurgen Klopp’s side as they won the FA Cup and League Cup at Wembley, and competed in the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. A regular on the Blood Red podcast, Theo has also conducted a number of exclusive interviews during his time with the ECHO, speaking to the likes of Roger Hunt, Nicolas Anelka, and Alberto Aquilani. <\/p>\n
![\"Darwin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_JS377247415.jpg\")
Darwin Nunez, Arne Slot and Alexander Isak.(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
As Darwin Nunez edges closer to the Liverpool exit door, the Reds\u2019 search for a replacement continues. The Uruguayan is set to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in an initial \u00a346.3m deal, calling time on a three-year stint at Anfield.<\/p>\n
In doing so, the 26-year-old gets his wish. He had asked to leave Liverpool<\/a> back in January, only to be denied as the Reds prioritised their pursuit of a 20th league title. Still wanting to pursue pastures new heading into the summer, this time he was not left disappointed.<\/p>\n His departure will leave Arne Slot<\/a> with four senior forwards to call upon in Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, summer signing Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Mohamed Salah and Liverpool team-mates nominated for Ballon d’Or awards after controversial snub<\/a>READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk hands Liverpool boost but four players could miss Community Shield<\/a><\/p>\n But in truth, Chiesa could also join Nunez<\/a> in leaving the club.<\/p>\n Liverpool still boast versatile players who can provide additional depth in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and – if he too doesn\u2019t move on – Harvey Elliott.<\/p>\n Beyond their quintet, Rio Ngumoha is now being considered as a genuine first-team option, while Ben Doak can bolster the numbers further if he is still a Reds player when the transfer window comes to an end.<\/p>\n But considering Slot partly signed Chiesa to boast six senior forwards last summer – all internationals with two specialists in each position – it is no surprise that Liverpool will not be entirely satisfied with what they already have at their disposal.<\/p>\n As the door closes on Nunez\u2019s Reds career, another one opens for a would-be replacement.<\/p>\n Liverpool will explore the market for an additional attacking player, but only if key criteria is met. This criteria includes – but is not restricted to – the desired player being of sufficient quality to start, representing fair market value and being realistically attainable.<\/p>\n Admittedly, the Reds might not have to look very far. Their interest in Alexander Isak<\/a> is well-documented, with the Swede even previously of interest when they ultimately opted to sign Nunez back in the summer of 2022.<\/p>\n The wantaway striker has made it clear to Newcastle United that he wishes to move on, with Liverpool his desired destination.<\/p>\n It has now been a week since the Reds made their first official move for the 25-year-old, with the Magpies rejecting an \u00a3110m offer last Friday. It was understood that club bosses considered it futile to return with an improved offer, given the swiftness and clarity of Newcastle\u2019s rejection.<\/p>\n But with Nunez moving on and Liverpool now openly pursuing a new forward, it would not be a massive stretch to assume that, on this occasion, two plus two equals four.<\/p>\n As one of the best strikers in Europe, Isak would clearly be of sufficient quality to start. But whether he represents fair market value and is realistically attainable is another matter entirely.<\/p>\n The Reds are willing to break the British transfer record to sign the striker, with \u00a3120m perhaps their rough ballpark figure when deciding fair market value. Newcastle\u2019s initial asking price of \u00a3150m would evidently not be a price Liverpool would be willing to play.<\/p>\n The Magpies have insisted they want to retain Isak\u2019s services throughout the summer, but actions speak louder than words.<\/p>\n They are still pursuing new attacking options of their own, while the striker was made to train alone on Wednesday as Eddie Howe\u2019s squad reported back to training following their pre-season tour of the Far East.<\/p>\n The Daily Mail<\/a> reports he will not feature in either of the club\u2019s Sela Cup fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on Friday and Saturday.<\/p>\n While Howe could still attempt to bring Isak in from the cold, his head has been turned with the writing seemingly on the wall when it comes to the likelihood of a Newcastle exit.<\/p>\n Should the Magpies insist he stays put, he would not be realistically attainable. But recent events suggest otherwise.<\/p>\n The ECHO<\/a>\u2019s sister site, the Chronicle<\/a>, reports that Howe will not hold a pre-match press conference ahead of either friendly against the La Liga opponents. However, he will speak to the press after both matches, where he will inevitably be quizzed about Isak\u2019s future once more. The next twists in this transfer saga are just around the corner.<\/p>\n Reports have suggested that Isak\u2019s desire to leave St. James\u2019 Park is longstanding, with Newcastle having long since been made aware of his stance. While they are currently navigating dirty waters, an almost inevitable destination is emerging on the horizon.<\/p>\n A new monthly print edition for all LFC fans is on sale now<\/p>\n WELCOME to Blood Red \u2013 your NEW monthly fix from the ECHO covering all you need to know about what\u2019s happening at Liverpool FC.<\/p>\n Our brilliant team of writers cover Arne Slot\u2019s side all season long, home, away and abroad seven days a week to produce the best content every day for the ECHO, both in print and online.<\/p>\n And now this monthly print edition of Blood Red will add to that mix with top features, interviews, analysis, comment, nostalgia, previews \u2013 and sometimes a bit of humour! Available to buy here.<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754478378_245_2_PRE-SEASON-2025_page-0001.jpg\")
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