Núñez Agrees Al-Hilal Exit, Eyes Europe Return
Darwin Núñez has reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to depart at the end of the current campaign. The Uruguay international joined the Saudi club last August for an initial £46 million ($63 million) fee. He has been sidelined since February due to foreign player registration limits after Karim Benzema's January arrival.
Al-Hilal faced a squad squeeze under Saudi Pro League rules allowing only eight foreign players born before 2003. The club chose to register Benzema, the former Real Madrid captain, leaving Núñez out of the 25-man squad. Despite earning £400,000 per week, the 26-year-old striker prioritizes regular playing time.
Núñez scored six goals and provided four assists in 16 league appearances before his exclusion. His stint follows three years at Liverpool, where he netted 40 goals in 143 games after a Benfica transfer that could reach £85 million ($116 million). Criticism over work rate marked his final months there.
Chelsea and Juventus have shown interest in the forward, who scored 34 goals in 41 games during his last Benfica season. A European move offers Núñez a chance to regain form shown in Champions League outings.
