Darwin Nunez and his future at Al-Hilal continues to grow cloudier after the Saudi club’s latest reported decision.
Darwin Nunez has only been at Al-Hilal for a matter of months, but the noise around his next move is already growing – and it’s left his long-term future in Riyadh looking anything but settled.
The Uruguayan forward moved to the Saudi Pro League last summer and initially produced decent numbers, yet speculation has followed him almost immediately, with reports repeatedly linking him to a swift return to Europe or a fresh switch elsewhere.
One major factor fueling the uncertainty is Al-Hilal’s evolving attacking picture, particularly after the January arrival of Karim Benzema, which has naturally raised questions about minutes, status and where Nunez fits in the pecking order.
Fenerbahce’s interest became the clearest example of how quickly his name has re-entered the market, with reports stating the Turkish club made an initial enquiry and explored a loan concept late in their window. However, the same reporting stressed there was “no guarantee” talks would progress, and Fabrizio Romano also played down the idea of Nunez moving to Istanbul in that period.
However, with the dust settled around the January transfer window, it seems the former Anfield favourite is still going through it.
Saudi newspaper Al-Youm (via YSS Scores) has reported that Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal have removed the Uruguayan from their domestic Saudi Roshn League roster, while keeping him registered for the AFC Champions League. In his place, they have chosen to register Marcos Leonardo on the local list, meaning the Brazilian is now eligible for Saudi Pro League fixtures in the coming weeks. The decision is described as a surprise to Pro League observers.
However, he remains part of the club’s Asian competition plans, with his name kept on the AFC Champions League list as they chase continental glory.
Now 26 years of age and a World Cup approaching, this is hardly an ideal situation for Nunez. It’s been sad to see the ex-Liverpool No.9 not truly find a home to be at, and hopefully his situation in Riyadh can be sorted out soon.
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