Darwin Nunez has reached an agreement with Al Hilal owners to leave the club this summer. The Uruguayan striker wants a fresh start in Europe to rebuild his form and secure his place in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
His time in Saudi Arabia has not gone as planned. After joining Al Hilal from Liverpool in a big-money move last year, Nunez found himself pushed to the sidelines following the arrival of Karim Benzema.
He has struggled for regular playing time, with his last competitive appearance coming back in mid-February. The lack of minutes has worried Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, who needs his forward in top shape for international duties.
Reports from Uruguay say Nunez met with club officials recently and secured their blessing for a permanent exit once the current season ends. The 26-year-old is determined to return to a more competitive environment in Europe where he can play regularly and show his best qualities again.
Many remember his exciting early days at Liverpool, where his pace and power caused problems for defenders across the Premier League.
Chelsea and Juventus have both shown interest in bringing the former Liverpool man back to Europe. Chelsea see him as a possible option to add depth and energy to their attack.
Juventus, meanwhile, are looking for cost-effective ways to strengthen their squad and view Nunez as a player who could fit their style if the price is right. Other clubs may also enter the race once the summer window opens properly.
Fans who followed Nunez at Anfield have mixed feelings about his Saudi adventure. Some hoped the big wages and new league would help him develop, but the reality of limited opportunities and adaptation challenges proved difficult.
His physical style suits the intensity of European football more than the tactical approach in some Saudi games. A return to a league he knows could help him regain confidence quickly.
For Uruguay, the situation matters a lot. Bielsa relies on Nunez as a key part of his attacking plans. With the World Cup less than two years away, consistent game time is essential. National team supporters back home worry that another season on the bench could affect his sharpness when it counts most for the Celeste.
Nunez still has plenty to offer at his age. He possesses raw talent that made him one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe not long ago. A good move this summer could mark the beginning of a strong new chapter.
Whether he lands in the Premier League with Chelsea or tries Serie A with Juventus, the coming weeks will be important as his representatives explore the best options.
Al Hilal, for their part, appear ready to move on and focus on other targets after signing Benzema. The club invested heavily in Nunez but the partnership never fully clicked. Both sides now seem keen to part ways amicably.
