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Darwin Nunez’s tenure at Liverpool faces growing uncertainty following lucrative January bids from Saudi Pro League clubs and mounting scrutiny over his inconsistent performances.

In January, Saudi club Al-Nassr submitted two formal bids for Nunez, with the second offer exceeding £62.4 million plus add-ons, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Negotiations reached an advanced stage, with Al-Nassr confident of securing the striker’s approval for a move alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

The deal collapsed only when Liverpool refused to sanction a mid-season departure, fearing a lack of time to secure a replacement.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, prepared a staggering £558,000-a-week wage package (£29 million annually) to lure Nunez, dwarfing his current £120,000 weekly earnings at Anfield.

It is almost a given that the Saudi Pro League will return for the Uruguay international in the summer.

Nunez’s tally of six goals and four assists in 28 appearances this season has drawn criticism, as well as his general play and enthusiasm after the high-profile Aston Villa miss.

Speaking in his pre-Newcastle press conference, Arne Slot on his No.9:

“I wasn’t only hard on him.

But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa,” he said.

“I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything.

I’m not saying he didn’t do that at all, but it wasn’t the usual Darwin, the one that is loved by the fans.”

And amid all this uncertainty, it seems Atletico Madrid are preparing to make a move for the 25-year-old this summer.

CaughtOffside have reported that they have identified Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez as a prime summer transfer target, with manager Diego Simeone reportedly “admiring” the Uruguayan’s profile as part of plans to overhaul his attack.

Atletico’s pursuit of Nunez follows uncertainty around Antoine Griezmann’s long-term role, despite the Frenchman contributing 18 goals this season.

The club’s €85 million acquisition of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City in 2024 has not fully addressed their need for a dynamic focal point, with Simeone seeking a blend of physicality and pressing intensity that aligns with Nunez’s skill set.

Nunez’s struggles in the Premier League’s high-octane environment could find respite in La Liga’s comparatively measured pace?

Simeone’s counterattacking system, which prioritizes quick transitions and defensive commitment, might harness Nunez’s raw speed and aggression more effectively

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