Atlanta United is pursuing a deal for soon-to-be free agent Darwin Nunez, who has agreed to terminate his Al-Hilal contract after a disastrous stint in Saudi Arabia
18:51, 23 Jul 2026
Darwin Nunez has been linked with Atlanta United ahead of becoming a free agent
Darwin Nunez has been linked with Atlanta United ahead of becoming a free agent(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool star Darwin Nunez is in talks with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United, after he reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to terminate his contract and become a free agent.
Nunez, 27, has endured a miserable time in Saudi Arabia after leaving Liverpool, and was exiled from the roster after Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema from rivals Al-Ittihad. With Nunez keen to leave the club, he was linked with a sensational return to Liverpool, with some fans still adoring the Uruguayan.
The forward also experienced a humiliating World Cup campaign with Uruguay, and is desperate to play regular soccer after being pushed aside by Al-Hilal. Moving to MLS is a serious option for Nunez, but talks are far from advanced.
According to The Athletic, Atlanta is pursuing a deal for Nunez, and preliminary talks have taken place. Nothing is advanced at this stage, and Atlanta is exploring several options.
Nunez may be a priority, but the MLS club is being realistic and has also targeted forward Breel Embolo, who represented Switzerland at the World Cup. Atlanta has considerable financial backing, but currently has no Designated Plater slots on the roster.
The DP rule allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players whose salaries and transfer fees exceed the league's maximum budget charge. Atlanta may have a slot opening up, which could be filled by Nunez.
Nunez made a promising start for Al-Hilal before being replaced by Karim Benzema
Nunez made a promising start for Al-Hilal before being replaced by Karim Benzema(Image: Getty Images)
Atlanta spent a club-record fee on Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte-Lath, but the move hasn't materialized the way either party hoped. Latte-Lath has since been linked with a move back to England, with Burnley a potential suitor.
That could vacate a DP spot for Nunez, but the Uruguayan has one other dream destination in mind. Nunez has always wanted to play for Barcelona, and his agent is reportedly looking at a low-cost deal to make it happen.
Nunez has made it clear that regular playing time and enjoying his soccer are a priority. Money is not the incentive, and he earned a considerable salary in Saudi Arabia.
Nunez earned a mammoth salary but hasn't played since February
Nunez earned a mammoth salary but hasn't played since February(Image: Getty Images)
After signing for Al-Hilal, Nunez was earning a reported $530,000 per week in Saudi Arabia. Nunez hasn't played for the club since February after a ruthless roster decision saw him banished in favor of Benzema.
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Saudi Arabian clubs can register only eight foreign players, and Nunez was the one dropped when Benzema was signed. While the $63 million fee Al-Hilal paid has been wasted, it suits all parties for the relationship to end.
While Barcelona remains the dream for Nunez, he could benefit from a move to MLS to reestablish himself. Nunez has struggled for consistency since leaving Benfica to join Liverpool, and could become a prominent figure in MLS.
With so many stars flocking to MLS, including Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann, who made their debuts on Wednesday, Nunez could become the latest cult hero. Especially in Atlanta, with the team desperate to turn its fortunes around.