“He could depart at any moment…” – Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool transfer deal is “350% complete”

Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez appears to be on the brink of a stunning exit from Anfield, with top transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that a deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal is virtually sealed. According to the Italian insider, the agreement between the two clubs is “350% complete” — a bold statement that has set the football world alight with speculation.

Romano made the dramatic revelation via X (formerly Twitter), stating that only the player’s acceptance of personal terms remains before the deal can be finalized. “350% done between clubs,” he wrote. “Waiting for details to be clarified on player side, talks ongoing. If Darwin accepts, he can fly any moment for medical. Because club to club is done.”

This comes after several days of mounting speculation surrounding Núñez’s future. The Uruguayan forward has been linked with a move away from Liverpool for weeks, but recent developments suggest negotiations have accelerated. Al-Hilal reportedly presented a verbal agreement to Liverpool, with personal terms now the only hurdle left.

Further confirmation came from journalist Ben Jacobs, who added that personal terms between Núñez and Al-Hilal are close to being finalized. However, he refuted reports claiming that a €65 million (£56.6m) fee has already been agreed, stating that Liverpool are still awaiting a formal, written offer.

Despite the slight differences in details among sources, the trajectory is clear: Darwin Núñez’s time at Liverpool is rapidly approaching its end. Reports from TEAMtalk suggest that the 26-year-old has already agreed to join the Saudi side, further fueling speculation that a medical and official announcement are imminent.

If the transfer is wrapped up before Sunday’s Community Shield clash, Núñez may have already played his final game in a Liverpool shirt. His most recent appearance came during the 4-1 friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao, where he found the net in what now appears to have been a parting gift.

Signed in 2022 for around £64 million, Núñez was brought in as the long-term successor to Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. Though he had moments of brilliance, including 40 goals across all competitions in 143 appearances, he often drew criticism for inconsistency in front of goal and erratic decision-making in the final third.

Nonetheless, he leaves Anfield with silverware, having played a role in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign. His contributions were especially important in the final stretch of the season, where his energy and aggression helped disrupt opposition defenses.

Liverpool are expected to recoup most of the transfer fee they initially spent on the striker, which is seen as a fair deal considering his age, experience, and remaining contract length. At 26, Núñez still has plenty of football ahead of him, and a fresh start in Saudi Arabia may provide the stability and confidence he needs to flourish.

Romano’s words — that a medical could happen “at any moment” — signal that we’re now in the final hours of the transfer saga. If Núñez accepts Al-Hilal’s lucrative contract, the move will become yet another marquee signing for the ambitious Saudi club, which has been aggressively bolstering its roster with high-profile European talent.

In addition to sporting reasons, Núñez’s proposed salary in Saudi Arabia is reported to far exceed what he currently earns at Liverpool. Reports claim the deal could make him the highest-paid player to leave Anfield in recent history, surpassing the wages of even Mohamed Salah.

As Liverpool prepare for life after Núñez, attention has already turned to possible replacements. Romano has mentioned Alexander Isak as a key target, although talks with Newcastle have proven difficult, with the Magpies unwilling to let go of their star man without a substantial fee.

Still, with the Saudi transfer window open longer than Europe’s, Núñez’s transfer could be completed after the Premier League season kicks off — but all signs suggest the deal could be finalized far sooner than that. For now, fans await the official green light and farewell message from the club.

In what has already been a summer of change for Liverpool, the departure of Darwin Núñez marks the end of another chapter — one that promised much but ultimately leaves a sense of unfinished business.