Darwin Nunez to Depart Al-Hilal After Six Months

Key facts

• Darwin Nunez has agreed to leave Al-Hilal at the end of the current campaign.
• Nunez joined Al-Hilal last August for an initial fee of £46 million ($63m).
• £400,000 per week with the Saudi club.
• His playing time was significantly reduced following Karim Benzema's arrival in January.
• Nunez has not featured for Al-Hilal since February.
• He scored six goals and provided four assists in 16 league appearances.
• Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing him.

Nunez to Exit Saudi Adventure Prematurely

Darwin Nunez is set to conclude his stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, having reached an agreement to terminate his contract at the close of the current season. The Uruguayan forward's move to the Middle East, which began less than a year ago, has been fraught with difficulty. £400,000 per week, Nunez is prioritising his playing career over financial security after being sidelined for the latter half of the campaign. This decision marks a swift end to his time in Riyadh, less than twelve months after his arrival. The 26-year-old forward made the switch last August for an initial fee of £46 million, equivalent to $63 million, but his experience has rapidly deteriorated into a challenging period. Nunez's departure means he will become a free agent in the summer, a move that allows him to seek opportunities in major European football leagues. This pursuit of consistent game time comes at the cost of a substantial salary reduction from his current Saudi earnings.

Registration Squeeze and Benzema's Arrival

The primary catalyst for Nunez's diminished role at Al-Hilal was the high-profile acquisition of Karim Benzema in January. Saudi Pro League regulations impose strict limits, allowing clubs to register a maximum of eight foreign players born before 2003 within their 25-man squads. When the French superstar joined, Al-Hilal's management was compelled to make a difficult choice regarding player registrations. Nunez was ultimately sacrificed to accommodate the former Real Madrid captain, leading to his exclusion from matchday squads. Consequently, the striker has been unable to feature for the club since February. While his statistical return of six goals and four assists in 16 league appearances was respectable, he has been relegated to training away from the main squad for months. This lack of competitive action has reportedly impacted his standing in Marcelo Bielsa's national team setup.

A Difficult Transition from Anfield

Nunez's move to Saudi Arabia followed a polarising three-year spell at Liverpool. Signed from Benfica for a potential fee reaching £85 million ($116 million), the striker often showcased his physical prowess at Anfield but struggled to maintain consistent goal-scoring form. The transfer, which helped Liverpool balance their books during a period of significant spending, has not proven successful for any party involved. Liverpool themselves have faced challenges in their attack, with some suggesting a decline in Mohamed Salah's production is linked to Nunez's departure. For Nunez, adjusting to life in the desert proved difficult. The subsequent registration issues and sidelining following Benzema's arrival effectively ended his prospects of regular play, prompting his decision to seek a new club.

European Clubs Monitor Situation

Despite his struggles in Saudi Arabia, Nunez remains a target for several major European clubs. Reports from Uruguay indicate that Chelsea and Newcastle United have expressed interest in signing the striker this summer, with speculation linking the Stamford Bridge club to Nunez having circulated for some time. Italian Serie A sides are also closely monitoring the situation. Both AC Milan and Juventus are reportedly considering the 26-year-old forward, whose estimated transfer value is currently assessed at €29.6 million. Al-Hilal faces the prospect of significant financial loss on the transfer, as they are unlikely to recoup the full sum paid to Liverpool. Nunez himself will also need to accept a considerable pay cut to facilitate a return to European football.

Assessing the Risk and Potential

Nunez's recent form has raised concerns. While he possesses impressive potential, analytical data suggests a worrying trend in his development over the past six months, with his performance level described as being in 'rapid decline'. His six goals in 16 Saudi Pro League appearances this season further illustrate this point. However, some observers believe Nunez could represent a market opportunity for clubs like Chelsea, especially given his potential and the relatively modest transfer fee being discussed. Former Chelsea player Marcel Desailly has publicly recommended Nunez to the club, citing his intelligence and the need for the right environment to unlock his talent. His time at Liverpool, though inconsistent, saw him score 25 Premier League goals and earn favour with fans for his attitude and work rate. This history suggests that, under the correct conditions, Nunez can still be an effective player in top-tier European football.

The bottom line

• Darwin Nunez will leave Al-Hilal this summer by mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
• The striker joined Al-Hilal for £46 million last August but has been sidelined since January.
• Karim Benzema's arrival triggered regulations that forced Nunez out of the squad.
• Nunez is reportedly earning £400,000 per week, a salary he is willing to forgo for playing time.
• Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan are among the European clubs reportedly interested in signing him.
• His estimated transfer value is currently €29.6 million, a significant drop from his previous fees.