Darwin Núñez Reaches Agreement With Al-Hilal, Opens Door For European Return
Núñez Agrees Al-Hilal Exit, Draws European Interest
Darwin Núñez has reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to depart at the end of the current Saudi Pro League campaign. The Uruguay international striker joined the club last August for £46 million ($63 million) but became sidelined after the January arrival of Karim Benzema triggered a foreign player registration limit.
Saudi Pro League rules allow only eight foreign players born before 2003 in a club's 25-man squad. Al-Hilal dropped Núñez to accommodate Benzema, leaving the 26-year-old without first-team action since February despite six goals and four assists in 16 league appearances.
Núñez arrived at Al-Hilal from Liverpool after three seasons, where he scored 40 goals in 143 appearances following a potential £85 million ($116 million) move from Benfica. His Riyadh stint soured quickly despite a reported £400,000 weekly salary, more than double his Anfield wage.
Chelsea and Juventus have shown interest in the forward, who scored 34 goals in 41 games during his final Benfica season. A summer move would allow Núñez to revive his career in Europe.
