The Uruguayan, signed for 64 million pounds from Benfica in 2022, has struggled to cement a regular role under manager Arne Slot, prompting interest from Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Nunez arrived at Anfield as a raw talent, having fired 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica in the 2021/22 season. Former boss Jurgen Klopp championed the move, overlooking data concerns about the 25-year-old's finishing. Despite flashes of brilliance, Nunez managed 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances for Liverpool, starting just 49 matches.

His five Premier League goals in 17 starts during the 2024/25 campaign saw him fall behind Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz in Slot's pecking order.

"They (Liverpool) are ready to listen to offers for Nunez," said transfer expert Ben Jacobs on X, noting the Reds' valuation exceeds 70 million pounds, informed by a rejected 59-million-pound bid from Al-Nassr in January. "Atletico Madrid are keen. Saudi interest remains."

Al-Hilal, fresh from pursuing Napoli's Victor Osimhen, contacted Liverpool earlier this week to discuss a potential deal, according to talkSPORT. The Saudi club, preparing for the Club World Cup, view Nunez as a marquee addition. However, the player has expressed a preference for Europe, with Atletico Madrid emerging as frontrunners.

"Atletico are now the first-choice destination for Nunez, with talks already underway," reported 365scores, highlighting his desire to stay in a top European league.

Liverpool's openness to selling Nunez stems from Slot's tactical shift, which favors a more controlled style. "Nunez just doesn't fit under Arne Slot," wrote Joe Rimmer in the Liverpool Echo. "A switch to La Liga with Atletico Madrid seems the dream ticket."

The Reds are already eyeing replacements, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, and Brighton's Joao Pedro among the targets.

A potential swap deal involving Atletico's Julian Alvarez has also been mooted, per X posts from reliable sources. "Liverpool are open to selling Nunez to Atletico at a discounted rate if it helps land Alvarez," said journalist Sam McGuire.

While Al-Hilal's financial muscle could tempt Liverpool, Nunez's reluctance to move to Saudi Arabia may steer him toward Spain. "He's looking for a fresh start," noted David Ornstein, suggesting a departure is increasingly likely.

As the transfer window heats up, Liverpool fans await clarity on Nunez's future, with the Reds determined to recoup a significant portion of their investment while reshaping their attack for the challenges ahead.

DSTV Premiership results wrap