Darwin Nunez ‘Wants to Leave Al Hilal’

A little more than five months after moving to Saudi Arabia, Darwin Nunez is already unhappy at Al-Hilal and is seeking a move elsewhere. The Uruguay international left Liverpool over the summer in a deal worth £56 million after making 143 appearances for the Reds, producing 40 goals and 26 assists.

Nicknamed ‘Captain Chaos’ during his time in the Premier League, the 26-year-old always ensured his team were involved in and around the penalty box. In the end, however, his constant toing and froing between clinical, all-action performances and matches where he couldn’t hit a barn door – coupled with a fiery temperament that often made him look like a disaster waiting to happen – cost him his long-term future at Anfield.

He was one of the major departures in a summer that also saw Arne Slot move on Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliott, among others. And while many on Merseyside would have been pleased to see their former striker find his feet in the Middle East after racking up six goal involvements in as many Saudi Pro League appearances, he already appears to be on the move again.

Darwin Nunez Wants To Leave Al Hilal

According to various reports such as from Brazilian outlet Globo, Nunez is understood to be unhappy with his current situation. He is reportedly determined to leave the Saudi Pro League “as soon as possible,” which could be primarily driven by concerns over the league’s competitive standard and what it means for his long-term development.

It is more than likely that his urgency is heightened by the approaching 2026 World Cup; the forward knows that his spot in Uruguay’s World Cup squad is far from guaranteed if he remains outside a top-level competition.

With the desire to perform at a higher level in the mind, the striker, who had a penchant for late drama during his time in England – most notably his brace as 10-man Liverpool turned things around at Newcastle and his delicate header against Nottingham Forest – would surely prefer a return to Europe. While he excelled at Benfica, though, it’s a completely different club that is currently the favourite to sign him.

The Uruguayan International Has Been Offered to River Plate

According to Argentine outlet Ole, River Plate have been offered the chance to sign Nunez, although discussions have reportedly gone no further than an initial call. The club are believed to have around £14 million available to strengthen their squad in the transfer window, which is inferior to his £40 million market value.

River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo is reportedly keen on Nunez and while a permanent deal would be difficult, the Argentine giants would be open to a loan move if that proves more realistic. It would offer him a chance to move closer to his family back home, but would also feel like a switch that fails to address the reasons he wants to leave Saudi Arabia in the first place.