Darwin Nunez loan move becomes Al Hilal’s preferred solution after transfer search stalls

Al Hilal have decided to allow Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez to leave on loan after failing to receive a suitable permanent offer for the forward since the start of August.

The Saudi club and Nunez’s representatives have explored several possible destinations in recent weeks, but none of those options developed into a successful transfer. Al Hilal are now seeking a club willing to take the striker on a temporary deal while covering as much as possible of his substantial salary.

According to Sport, Al Hilal officials are expected to travel to Turkey this week to open negotiations with one of the country’s leading clubs. Nunez also remains of interest to clubs in the Premier League and Portugal.

The striker’s name has also been put forward to Barcelona, although there has been no practical movement towards a deal so far. Barcelona are, however, already in contact with Al Hilal over a potential transfer for Joao Cancelo.

Nunez took part in Al Hilal’s training camp in Austria, but he is not considered part of the club’s long-term plans. The same applies to Karim Benzema, whom the Saudi club’s management also does not want to retain. Benzema, though, is determined to remain in Saudi Arabia and has no desire to leave.

Nunez has struggled to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, and Al Hilal believe a return to European football could help him rediscover his best form and rebuild his market value. The club’s preference is to arrange a loan for one season before attempting to sell him permanently.

Al Hilal signed Nunez from Liverpool for 55 million euros. Liverpool had previously paid Benfica 85 million euros to bring the striker to England, although his time in the Premier League was inconsistent.

The Uruguay international had also been close to joining Barcelona earlier in his career, when he was playing for Almeria. Barcelona made a low offer at the time and came close to completing the transfer, but Benfica secured his signature for 25 million euros.

Al Hilal’s decision marks a change in approach after the club had been searching for a permanent buyer. With no acceptable offer arriving, a loan is now viewed as the most realistic way of moving Nunez on while giving him an opportunity to return to European football.