Darwin Nunez looks to leave Al-Hilal – Unexpected club poised for eye-catching move
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly seeking a way out of Al-Hilal, just four months after his high-profile transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Argentine powerhouse River Plate has emerged as a surprising contender for the Uruguayan international. According to Ole, River Plate plans to invest heavily to rebuild its squad for 2026, allocating around $20 million (roughly £15 million) for new signings.
Following their elimination from the Argentine Championship, River Plate finds themselves in a sporting crisis. They must rely on Boca Juniors winning the Clausura tournament to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Poor results and the tense situation have prompted the board to consider squad changes, with Nunez among the key targets.
The newspaper reports that Nunez has expressed a desire to leave Al-Hilal, though negotiations have yet to advance. A January departure would make his Saudi stint one of the shortest—and most expensive—in recent memory.
Nunez’s stint in Saudi Arabia
His August move to Al-Hilal was hailed as a coup for the Saudi league, with the club paying Liverpool an initial £46.3 million after Nunez fell down the pecking order under Arne Slot. On the field, his performance has been solid but not spectacular: in 11 appearances across all competitions, he has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists. Nunez has also struggled with minor knee injuries and adapting to life in Saudi Arabia.
Leaving Liverpool was emotional for Nunez. He departed with a Premier League winner’s medal but a sense of unfinished business, having scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds.
What’s next for Nunez?
Less than a season after departing Europe, Nunez may already be eyeing another major move. Whether he returns to European football or takes on the passionate Monumental Stadium crowd with River Plate, one thing is clear: the unpredictable brilliance of Darwin Nunez is far from over, and his transfer saga may just be beginning.
