Limited action fuels speculation
Darwin Nunez’s return to Al-Hilal has not translated into frequent appearances in the Saudi Pro League. The Uruguayan striker was removed from the club’s list of eligible foreign players back in January, closing the door on his domestic participation. Since then, Nunez has only played in AFC Champions League matches, giving him limited on-field time and raising questions about his role at the club. This lack of regular action has drawn attention from potential suitors in Europe, including Barcelona.
Blaugrana still focused on Alvarez, but options remain open
FC Barcelona is keeping Julian Alvarez as the top target for their striker position. Still, the club has not ruled out other possibilities if a deal with Atletico Madrid doesn’t come together. Nunez, aware of this, views himself as a possible replacement if the primary option fails to materialize. If Torres leaves, Nunez sees it as an opportunity for himself.
Nunez training in Austria, but no breakthrough yet
Nunez joined Al-Hilal’s pre-season training camp in Austria in early July. He has been working with the team, but his path to regular minutes in the league remains unclear. As the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion, time is pressing for both Al-Hilal and Barcelona to reach a solution. Nunez’s representatives are hopeful a new deal can be arranged before the deadline. For now, he continues to train while hoping a path to Europe will open up.
Uncertain future under Inzaghi
Nunez’s situation at Al-Hilal has grown more complicated after the club decided to keep Simone Inzaghi as their head coach. The decision to remove him from the foreign-player list for the league was made under Inzaghi’s management, who also prioritized Karim Benzema over Nunez. This move effectively halted the striker’s domestic season and left him with minimal playing time since February 16. With European interest growing, the striker might soon find a new chapter in his career.
Affordable alternative for Barcelona
Nunez is being seen as a cost-effective choice for Barcelona, as his potential transfer fee is expected to be lower than that of other top strikers in the market. This affordability makes him an appealing option if the club cannot secure Alvarez or another high-profile target. The Blaugrana could benefit from his proven talent and versatility in attack, which could make him a valuable addition to their squad. While the club’s main focus remains on Alvarez, Nunez’s availability and skill set position him as a strong backup option.