Darwin Núñez’s stint with Al-Hilal is quickly turning sour, just months after the former Liverpool striker completed a £46 million ($63 million) move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2025. The arrival of Karim Benzema has dramatically altered the landscape for Núñez, leading to his exclusion from Al-Hilal’s league squad and raising questions about his future in Saudi Arabia. The situation highlights the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League and the challenges facing players adapting to a new league and team dynamics.
Núñez joined Al-Hilal after three seasons at Anfield, where he registered 40 goals in 143 appearances, securing a Premier League title during his time with the Reds. While he departed Merseyside with silverware, the move to Saudi Arabia was intended to provide a fresh start and a lucrative contract. However, the dream has quickly soured, as the club navigates roster restrictions following Benzema’s high-profile transfer.
Squad Restrictions and the Benzema Impact
Al-Hilal, like other Saudi Pro League teams, is limited to registering eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man rosters. The acquisition of Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, during the winter transfer window, has directly led to Núñez being cut from the squad. This decision, while difficult, was necessary to comply with league regulations, according to Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi. “The decision was difficult, but that’s the job of a coach,” Inzaghi stated. “He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session.”
Despite the setback, Núñez remains eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League, offering a potential avenue for continued playing time. However, his opportunities in the Saudi Pro League will be severely limited. Former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has also been excluded from Al-Hilal’s plans for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, further illustrating the tough choices facing the coaching staff.
Núñez’s Performance and Potential Return
Prior to his exclusion from the league squad, Núñez had shown flashes of promise, scoring seven goals in 23 outings for Al-Hilal. However, this wasn’t enough to secure his place in the team following Benzema’s arrival. Reports suggest Núñez has reacted to the situation with a visible display of frustration, reportedly staring directly at the owner’s box after being informed of the decision, as documented on Instagram.
The situation has sparked speculation about a potential return to European football for the Uruguayan forward. While no official offers have materialized, sources indicate Núñez is willing to make a “huge personal sacrifice” to secure a move back to the Premier League, according to Goal.com. This willingness to potentially take a financial hit demonstrates Núñez’s desire for regular first-team football.
Liverpool, his former club, sold Núñez to Al-Hilal for a substantial loss on the initial £85 million ($143.2 million) deal agreed with Benfica in 2022. Whether the Reds would be interested in re-signing the player remains to be seen, but other Premier League clubs could emerge as potential suitors.
The Athletic reports that Núñez’s Saudi Arabia move has soured, leaving his future uncertain. The forward’s situation underscores the risks associated with transfers to the Saudi Pro League, where competition for places is fierce and roster regulations can quickly change the dynamics for foreign players.
As the Saudi Pro League continues to attract high-profile players, the pressure to maintain squad balance and comply with regulations will only intensify. Núñez’s case serves as a cautionary tale for players considering a move to the Middle East, highlighting the importance of understanding the league’s rules and the potential for unforeseen circumstances.
The coming months will be crucial for Núñez as he assesses his options and seeks a path back to regular first-team football. His willingness to prioritize playing time over financial gain suggests a strong determination to revive his career and prove his worth on the European stage. The next steps in his career will be closely watched by clubs across Europe.
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