January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
LIVERPOOL, Aug 10 — Liverpool have confirmed the sale of striker Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, a move that could pave the way for the Premier League champions to renew their pursuit of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.
Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica three years ago for an initial €75 million (RM369 million), struggled to justify his price tag, netting 40 goals in 143 appearances. The 26-year-old Uruguayan fell down the pecking order at Anfield under both Jurgen Klopp and current manager Arne Slot.
British media reported that Al-Hilal will pay an initial €53 million for Nunez, who has signed a three-year contract. His playing time was set to diminish further this season following Liverpool’s €300 million spending spree, which brought in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool are now tipped to intensify efforts to sign Isak, with Newcastle reportedly rejecting an opening bid of £110 million and valuing the Swedish striker at up to £150 million. The Nunez deal lifts Liverpool’s total income from player sales this transfer window to nearly €200 million, following the departures of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.
Nunez becomes the latest high-profile signing for Al-Hilal, who stunned Manchester City to reach the quarter-finals of the recent Club World Cup. Managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, their star-studded squad features Portugal internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and ex-Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. — AFP
