Darwin Nunez negotiates Al Hilal exit after brutal Saudi Pro League axe

Darwin Nunez is negotiating his departure from Al Hilal less than a year after his £46m move from Liverpool, with the striker open to a Premier League return after being frozen out of competitive football since February.

The 26-year-old Uruguay international was ruthlessly dropped from Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad to make room for January signing Karim Benzema, leaving him unable to play domestic football despite earning £400,000 per week.

The Saudi dream turns into a nightmare for Nunez

Nunez's Middle Eastern adventure has collapsed spectacularly. The striker hasn't kicked a ball in the Saudi Pro League since 16 February, when Al Hilal made the brutal decision to deregister him from their domestic squad.

Rigid squad rules create casualties

Saudi Pro League regulations allow clubs to register only eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man squads. When Al Hilal signed Benzema from Al Ittihad in January, someone had to make way.

Nunez drew the short straw. Despite arriving just six months earlier for a substantial fee and on massive wages, the club showed no sentiment in axing him from their league squad.

It is understood that Nunez asked to leave Al Hilal after Benzema's arrival, and talks over his departure remain ongoing.

Limited to continental action only

The Uruguayan has been restricted to AFC Champions League appearances only, a situation that would be unthinkable for a player of his calibre and wage bracket in European football.

Before his February axing, Nunez had shown promise with six goals and four assists in 16 Saudi Pro League matches. Those numbers suggest he was settling into Saudi football before the rug was pulled from under him.

Why Premier League clubs should approach with caution

Nunez's availability presents an intriguing opportunity for Premier League sides seeking attacking reinforcements, but his recent history raises significant questions.

The Liverpool legacy looms large

His three-year spell at Anfield delivered 40 goals in 143 appearances - respectable numbers that masked persistent concerns about his decision-making and finishing.

Liverpool paid £64m to Benfica in 2022 expecting a prolific goalscorer. What they got was an erratic forward who managed just seven goals in his final season as the Reds won the Premier League title.

Match fitness concerns

Any potential suitor must consider that Nunez hasn't played competitive club football for nearly three months. His last meaningful action came in March internationals for Uruguay, where he was reduced to substitute appearances against England.

The striker's World Cup starting place is now under threat - a situation that should motivate him but also adds pressure to his next move.

Financial considerations remain complex

While Nunez and Al Hilal continue discussing a mutual contract termination, his wage expectations could prove problematic. Even at half his current salary, he would command £200,000 per week - a figure that would make him one of the Premier League's highest earners.

• Chelsea and Newcastle previously linked but neither currently pursuing
• Turkish side Fenerbahce attempted a January move that fell through
• Al Ittihad interested in keeping him in Saudi Arabia
• European options his preferred destination

What this means for the Saudi Pro League's credibility

Nunez's situation exposes fundamental flaws in the Saudi Pro League's ambitious project to attract world-class talent.

Squad registration rules undermine big-money signings

The eight-foreign-player limit creates an environment where even recent marquee signings can be discarded at a moment's notice. This volatility makes Saudi Arabia a risky destination for players in their prime years.

Nunez joined Al Hilal believing he would be a cornerstone of their project. Six months later, he can't even make their league squad despite being one of their highest earners.

A cautionary tale for future recruits

Players considering lucrative Saudi moves must now weigh the financial benefits against the risk of being frozen out entirely. Nunez's £400,000 weekly wage means little when he's watching from the stands.

The Saudi Pro League has invested billions to raise its profile, but stories like Nunez's damage its reputation as a serious footballing destination. Top players want guaranteed playing time, not just guaranteed money.

While the 26-year-old and the club continue to discuss a mutual termination of his £400,000-a-week contract, there will be no formal announcement until after the season ends.

What happens next

Nunez's immediate future hinges on successful contract termination negotiations with Al Hilal. The club appears willing to let him leave, but the financial details must be resolved before any formal announcement.

His preference for European football narrows the field of potential destinations. A Premier League return would offer redemption after his Liverpool disappointment, but clubs will demand value given his recent inactivity and previous inconsistency.

The striker's World Cup place with Uruguay adds urgency to finding regular football. Manager Marcelo Bielsa won't select players lacking match sharpness, making Nunez's next move crucial for both club and country ambitions.