Darwin Nunez joins Al-Diriyah on loan after Trabzonspor move falls through

Darwin Nunez has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah on loan from Al Hilal, ending speculation that the Uruguay striker would reunite with Mohamed Salah at Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Nunez had been strongly linked with a move to Trabzonspor in recent days, where he would have played alongside Salah. The pair were previously team-mates at Liverpool, and their possible reunion had attracted significant attention.

However, Al-Diriyah have now officially announced the signing of the 27-year-old, confirming that Nunez will spend the upcoming period with the Saudi club after arriving from Al Hilal on a temporary deal.

The move means Nunez will not join Salah at Trabzonspor. Salah completed a move to the Turkish club in recent days, signing a two-year contract.

Nunez becomes the third player announced by Al-Diriyah on the same day. The club also confirmed the arrivals of Algerian player Adel Boubina and French midfielder Enzo Millot.

The Uruguay international made 24 appearances for Al Hilal in all competitions last season. He scored nine goals and provided five assists during that campaign.

His move to Al-Diriyah follows a successful period alongside Salah at Liverpool. The two players helped Liverpool win the English Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, before going their separate ways in the latest transfer developments.

Nunez’s switch to Al Hilal had placed him at the centre of continued transfer interest, with reports later linking him to Trabzonspor and a reunion with Salah. Instead, his next destination will be Al-Diriyah, who have secured his services on loan.

Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor had appeared to create the possibility of the former Liverpool team-mates playing together once again. That prospect has now been ruled out by Nunez’s agreement with Al-Diriyah.

The Saudi club’s announcement of three signings in one day underlines the scale of its latest recruitment activity. Alongside Nunez, Boubina and Millot have also been presented as new additions.

Nunez’s record of nine goals and five assists in 24 matches for Al Hilal last season will be the basis of his contribution as he begins this new loan spell with Al-Diriyah. His immediate future is now settled, while Salah will continue his career with Trabzonspor under the two-year agreement announced in recent days.