Darwin Nunez, the Al-Hilal striker, is reportedly nearing an exit from the Saudi club. Sources indicate that his departure is expected to be a loan deal with an option to buy, extending until June 2027. The Uruguayan international is currently with the Al-Hilal squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria and is actively seeking a move.
Reports suggest that Nunez has already secured initial approval from the club’s management for a loan. His determination to leave stems from a desire to return to Europe and join a team that competes for titles. Initially, Nunez had requested his contract be terminated. A compromise was then reached where he would forego a portion of his salary, and Al-Hilal would cover part of his dues for one season.
Potential European Destinations
Over the past few days, Nunez’s agents have offered his services to Barcelona, with the Catalan club reportedly examining the possibility. Spanish newspaper “Sport” indicates that the Portuguese league could be Nunez’s next destination, with Porto and Benfica both showing serious interest. There is a reported desire from all parties involved to finalize a deal before the Al-Hilal squad returns to Saudi Arabia on 3 August.
Among the interested clubs, Benfica is understood to be the player’s preferred option. Nunez previously experienced a successful period of his career at Benfica after joining from Spain’s Almeria. That transfer saw the Portuguese club acquire him for 25 million euros, and he later moved to Liverpool for a fee exceeding 75 million euros.
His time in the Premier League was reportedly different, as the international striker did not adapt to English football. Similarly, he found no stability in the Saudi league. While Atalanta and Besiktas have made offers, Nunez has not reached an agreement with either club. Barcelona’s interest, meanwhile, remains a proposal that has not yet become an official move.
Barcelona’s Interest and Nunez’s Situation
Barcelona has identified Nunez as a primary alternative should their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker, not materialize during the current summer transfer window. The Catalan board is looking to strengthen its attacking options. According to the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo,” Nunez is considered the most suitable option for Barcelona if the Alvarez deal falters, despite Atletico Madrid’s official rejection of an Alvarez transfer.
Al-Hilal’s board is reportedly open to Nunez’s departure, and the player has received offers from Turkish clubs and other international teams. Talks are progressing, particularly with coach Simone Inzaghi reportedly keen to reinforce the squad with multiple signings. Nunez, who is 26 years old, recently returned to Al-Hilal’s training after his post-World Cup rest period, despite ongoing negotiations for a mutual termination of his contract.
Nunez and his agents are closely monitoring Barcelona’s actions. The Catalan club is searching for a new striker amidst uncertainty regarding Ferran Torres’s future and Paris Saint-Germain’s reported interest in signing him. Nunez is considered a “low-cost” option for Barcelona due to the possibility of a modest transfer fee. He joined Al-Hilal’s pre-season training camp in Austria last Friday to await a decision on his future.
The Uruguayan’s future with Al-Hilal remains uncertain. He has not participated in an official match since 16 February. At that time, he was excluded from the list of foreign players in the Saudi league and domestic cups to accommodate Karim Benzema, limiting his appearances to the AFC Champions League. Doubts about his continued presence at the club persist, especially since the same technical staff, led by Simone Inzaghi, who made the decision to exclude him, remains in place. This situation opens the door for a potential return to Europe through a move to Barcelona.
Source: goal.com
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