Image Credits: Imago Images
Darwin Nunez’s time in Saudi Arabia appears to be reaching a critical juncture. The Uruguayan striker, who made a high-profile £53 million switch from Liverpool to Al Hilal last summer, has been delivering a respectable return in the Saudi Pro League with six goals and four assists in 16 matches this season.
However, recent developments suggest his stint in the Middle East could be cut short as Turkish giants Fenerbahçe intensify their pursuit. The Turkish club has been circling the former Liverpool forward for months, with reports indicating that swap deal negotiations involving Fenerbahçe’s Youssef En-Nesyri heading to Al Hilal in exchange for Núñez have progressed significantly.
The clearest indication yet of an imminent departure came earlier today when Turkish outlet Penaltı Sports reported that Nunez has been left out of Al Hilal’s squad for their upcoming match against Al-Okhdood. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th at 5:30 PM local time, will see Al Hilal – sitting top of the Saudi Pro League table – face bottom-dwellers Al-Okhdood.
While squad omissions can happen for various tactical or fitness reasons, the timing is conspicuous. Fenerbahçe have been working tirelessly to finalize a deal, with club officials reportedly in negotiations to convince the player. Turkish media reported just last month that Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran held a video call with the striker.
Whether Nunez’s exclusion from today’s squad is a precautionary measure ahead of a transfer or simply rotation remains to be seen. But with Fenerbahçe pushing hard, a swap deal framework in place, and the player reportedly open to the move, all signs point toward Darwin Núñez’s Saudi adventure ending far sooner than his 2028 contract would suggest.
Darwin Nuñez, bir sonraki Al-Okhdood maçı kadrosundan çıkarıldı. pic.twitter.com/cfjLVVbKBg
— Penaltı Sports (@penaltisport) February 4, 2026
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