Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have their eyes on Darwin Núñez transfer from Al Hilal. The 26-year-old Uruguayan striker, once a key player at Liverpool, finds himself out of favor in Saudi Arabia. Clubs across Europe watch closely. A move back to top leagues could happen this summer.
Key Takeaways
- Tottenham and Newcastle made enquiries about Darwin Núñez through intermediaries.
- Al Hilal dropped him from their squad due to foreign player limits after signing Karim Benzema.
- Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and Barcelona also show interest in the €35m-rated forward.
- Núñez would take a big pay cut to return to Europe; his contract runs to 2028.
Background
Darwin Núñez burst onto the scene at Benfica. He scored goals by the bucketload there. Liverpool snapped him up in 2022 for big money. Fans loved his pace and power. But things didn't click fully at Anfield. He netted 40 goals in 143 games. Not bad. Yet the club let him go last summer.
Al Hilal paid €53 million to bring him to the Saudi Pro League in August 2025. High wages followed—around £400,000 a week. Early days looked promising. He bagged 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 league matches. Total of 9 goals in 24 appearances across all comps. Solid start.
But trouble brewed. Saudi rules cap foreign players. Only eight born before 2003 allowed in the 25-man squad. Al Hilal signed Karim Benzema in January. That filled the spots. Coach Simone Inzaghi had to choose. Núñez got cut. Pablo Mari, ex-Arsenal defender, went too. Tough call. Squad limits hit hard.
Núñez showed frustration. During an AFC Champions League game against Al Wahda on February 16, he posted a message aimed at the owners. Fans noticed. Talk of his future grew loud. He's got 36 caps for Uruguay. 13 goals there. Still young at 26. Market value sits at €35 million per Transfermarkt.
His contract with Al Hilal lasts until June 2028. But the club might loan him out. They considered Fenerbahçe fee-free earlier this year. Now bigger names circle. Premier League return feels real. ESPN has ramped up its role in baseball streaming, but football transfers remain hot.
Key Details
Clubs in the Hunt
Tottenham lead the Premier League interest. They spoke to Núñez's people. Newcastle did the same. Both want a striker who can run channels and finish. Spurs need depth up top. Newcastle pushes for Europe spots. Núñez fits both bills.
Atlético Madrid admire him long-term. Same for Juventus. Both would jump if money works out. Spanish side Barcelona eyes him too. Their staff likes his style. But wages pose issues. Núñez earns too much now. He'd slash pay big-time for Europe. Reports say he's open to it.
Al Hilal's stance matters. They paid a lot. Loan possible. Permanent sale less likely unless right offer comes. Núñez wants regular play. Sitting out league and cups hurts. International duty calls too. Uruguay needs him sharp.
His Liverpool spell lingers. Some fans miss the chaos he brought. Others recall misses. Still, Premier League knows his threat. Pace terrifies defenders. Headers too. Al Hilal coach explained the drop.
"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach. He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session. Núñez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players." – Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal manager
Numbers back his case. Nine goals this season. Not shabby in a new league. Saudi football grows stronger. But Europe pulls harder. Núñez joined Al Hilal after Liverpool deemed him surplus. Now reversal in play.
Wage and Deal Factors
£400,000 weekly. Huge barrier. Premier League clubs balk at that. Núñez must drop to half or less. He's willing, say sources. Loan with buy option appeals. Al Hilal recoups cash. Player gets minutes. Win-win maybe.
Fenerbahçe talked loan before. No fee. Didn't happen. Now bigger fish bite. Barcelona's interest surprises. They chase strikers. Núñez not top choice. Squad player role possible. Casemiro faces his own exit drama at Man United, with Saudi links too.
What This Means
A Darwin Núñez transfer shakes the market. Tottenham gain firepower. Son Heung-min gets support. Newcastle builds on Eddie Howe success. Both clubs eye top six. Núñez boosts that.
For Núñez, it's redemption shot. Prove Liverpool wrong. Back in spotlight. Uruguay benefits. World Cup qualifiers loom. Regular football key.
Al Hilal adjusts. Benzema arrival changes dynamics. Squad rules force hard choices. Saudi league attracts stars. But limits bind.
Europe clubs hunt value. Núñez at €35m tempts. Wage cut seals it. Summer window heats up. More talks expected. Intermediaries busy. Deals brew.
Liverpool watches? Maybe. They sold him. No regrets yet. But Premier League return stirs old talk. Fans split. Excitement builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Darwin Núñez dropped by Al Hilal?
Saudi rules allow only eight foreign players born before 2003 in the squad. Benzema's signing filled spots. Coach cut Núñez and Mari.
Which clubs want Núñez most?
Tottenham and Newcastle lead in England. Atlético Madrid and Juventus long-term fans. Barcelona considers too.
Will Núñez take a pay cut?
Yes. Reports say he's ready to slash wages for a Europe return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Darwin Núñez dropped by Al Hilal?
Saudi rules allow only eight foreign players born before 2003 in the squad. Benzema’s signing filled spots. Coach cut Núñez and Mari.
Which clubs want Núñez most?
Tottenham and Newcastle lead in England. Atlético Madrid and Juventus long-term fans. Barcelona considers too.
Will Núñez take a pay cut?
Yes. Reports say he’s ready to slash wages for a Europe return.
