Just four months after a highly publicized transfer, Darwin Nunez is already seeking an exit from Al-Hilal. The Uruguayan striker’s brief stint in the Saudi Pro League appears to be unraveling with surprising speed, leaving the football world wondering what went wrong.
An unexpected contender has emerged: Argentine powerhouse River Plate. The Buenos Aires club is preparing a significant squad overhaul for 2026 and has identified Nunez as a potential centerpiece, despite the financial complexities involved.
River Plate is allocating a substantial $20 million for new acquisitions, a clear signal of intent to revitalize their team. Currently facing a sporting crisis after a disappointing championship exit, their hopes for Libertadores qualification rest on a rival’s success – a precarious situation fueling the need for immediate change.
Nunez’s name surfaced as a possibility because of his desire to leave Al-Hilal, though initial discussions haven’t yielded progress. A January departure would represent a remarkably short and costly chapter in his career, a stunning turn for a player once considered a rising star in Europe.
His move to Al-Hilal was initially hailed as a major coup for the Saudi league, with Liverpool receiving £46.3 million for the forward who had fallen out of favor under Arne Slot. The transfer was meant to signal the league’s growing ambition and financial power.
Statistically, Nunez’s time in Riyadh has been adequate – 5 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances. However, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Minor knee injuries and difficulties adapting to the culture have reportedly hampered his progress.
His exit from Liverpool was bittersweet, leaving with a Premier League winner’s medal but a lingering sense of unfulfilled promise. In 143 games for the Reds, he scored 40 goals, showcasing flashes of brilliance that never quite solidified into consistent performance.
Now, barely half a season removed from European football, Nunez finds himself potentially on the move again. The possibility of playing before the passionate fans at River Plate’s Monumental stadium presents a compelling alternative.
Regardless of his next destination, one thing is clear: the unpredictable journey of Darwin Nunez is far from over. This unfolding transfer saga promises further twists and turns, keeping the football world captivated by his story.
