Barcelona eye Darwin Nunez as back‐up plan if Julian Alvarez move collapses

Barcelona have identified Darwin Nunez as their primary alternative if they fail to land Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in the current summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The Catalan club are prioritising a deal for Alvarez as they look to reinforce their attack, but Atletico’s firm refusal to negotiate has forced Barca to draw up contingency plans.

Nunez emerges as ‘ideal’ option

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Uruguay forward Nunez, currently with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, has been deemed the most suitable Plan B by Barcelona’s hierarchy should the Alvarez pursuit break down.

Despite Atletico’s official stance that Alvarez is not for sale, Barca are continuing to test the Spanish club’s resolve. However, the club are also keeping parallel tracks open, with Nunez now viewed as the leading alternative.

Al Hilal’s management are said to be open to letting the 26-year-old leave, with the player understood to have offers from Turkish clubs as well as other teams abroad. Negotiations over his future are described as progressing positively, at a time when coach Simone Inzaghi is pushing for several new signings to reshape his squad.

Surprise return to training

Nunez has reportedly surprised observers in Saudi Arabia by returning to Al Hilal training a few days ago, immediately after his post‐World Cup break.

His comeback to the club’s preparations comes despite months of talks over a possible mutual termination of his contract, which had fuelled speculation that he was set to quit the Riyadh side.

The striker has now joined Al Hilal’s pre‐season camp in Austria, having linked up with the group last Friday, while all parties await clarity on his next move.

Low‐cost solution for cash‐strapped Barca

Nunez is seen in Barcelona as a relatively “low‐cost” option in the current market, with the possibility of securing him for a modest fee compared with other elite forwards.

That valuation makes him particularly attractive to Barca, who remain constrained by financial fair play rules and salary‐cap limitations in La Liga.

The club are actively seeking a new centre‐forward amid uncertainty over Ferran Torres’ future. The Spain international has been linked with Paris Saint‐Germain, who are monitoring him as a potential attacking reinforcement.

Nunez and his representatives are closely tracking Barcelona’s movements as they weigh up their options for a return to European football.

Future at Al Hilal shrouded in doubt

The Uruguay international’s status at Al Hilal has been unclear for months. He has not played a competitive match since 16 February, after being excluded from the club’s foreign-player list for the Saudi league and domestic cups to make room for Karim Benzema.

Since then, Nunez’s involvement has been restricted to the AFC Champions League, underlining how far he has slipped down the pecking order.

With Simone Inzaghi – the coach who made the decision to omit him from the domestic squad – still in charge, doubts persist over whether Nunez has any long‐term future at the club.

That uncertainty is fuelling suggestions that a move back to Europe is increasingly likely, with Barcelona emerging as one of the most prominent potential escape routes.

Should the Alvarez chase ultimately fail, Barca are expected to accelerate talks over Nunez, who could find the Camp Nou door offering a timely way out of a stalled spell in Saudi Arabia.