Ex-Liverpool Forward Nunez Agrees Al-Hilal Exit Amid Saudi Registration Setback
Darwin Nunez has reached an agreement to leave Al-Hilal at the end of the current season, bringing an end to what has been a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia where he was effectively sidelined due to a registration squeeze.
Darwin Nunez has agreed to leave Al-Hilal after a difficult Saudi spell, with a Premier League return possible amid Chelsea and Juventus interest reported.
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The 26-year-old Uruguay international joined the Saudi club last August for an initial fee of £46 million ($63m). However, his time in Riyadh quickly turned into a challenging experience following a decisive squad reshuffle by the club’s management.
Despite earning a reported £400,000 per week—more than double his salary at Liverpool—Nunez has chosen to prioritise regular football over financial reward after spending the second half of the season out of the matchday picture.
His situation worsened after Karim Benzema’s arrival in January. Saudi Pro League rules allow only eight foreign players born before 2003 in a 25-man squad, forcing Al-Hilal into a selection decision. Nunez was the player left out of the competitive squad, and he has not played since February.
Statistically, he managed six goals and four assists in 16 league appearances, but has been training separately from the first team for months. Reports from Uruguayan outlet Referi indicate he maintained a professional attitude, though the lack of minutes has affected his place in Marcelo Bielsa’s national team setup.
Before his Saudi move, Nunez spent three years at Liverpool after arriving from Benfica in a deal that could reach £85 million ($116m). He scored 40 goals in 143 appearances and was part of a Premier League title-winning squad, but consistency issues and missed chances often defined his spell.
His final period at Anfield also drew criticism, with Arne Slot describing his work rate as “unacceptable” during a difficult phase under Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool eventually accepted Al-Hilal’s offer as a way to recover a significant portion of their investment.
Looking ahead, a return to the Premier League remains a real possibility, with Chelsea showing interest as they seek more attacking efficiency. Juventus are also monitoring the situation closely. Nunez’s strongest form still dates back to his Benfica days, where he scored 34 goals in 41 matches, a level suitors hope he can rediscover.
