Darwin Nunez closes in on Al Diriyah switch after Saudi agreement with Al Hilal

Darwin Nunez is set to continue his career in Saudi Arabia after Al Diriyah reached a verbal agreement with Al Hilal to sign the Uruguay striker on loan, ending Trabzonspor’s hopes of bringing him to Turkey.

The proposed move would see Nunez join Al Diriyah until June 2027, with the club taking responsibility for his salary during the loan spell. The current agreement does not include an option for Al Diriyah to buy the player permanently.

The deal still requires formal signatures, while arrangements are being made for Nunez to undergo a medical before the transfer can be completed. However, the main terms have been agreed between the two Saudi clubs.

The agreement was reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed on social media that an understanding had been reached between Al Hilal and Al Diriyah.

“🚨🇸🇦 Darwin Nunez to Al Diriyah, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between Saudi sides with Al Hilal.Loan until June 2027, salary covered but no buy option clause included in current agreement.Signatures still needed but deal in place with medical being booked. 🇺🇾”

Nunez had been linked with a move to Trabzonspor in recent days. A transfer to the Turkish club would have brought him back together with his former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah, with the pair having played alongside one another for several years at Anfield.

That potential reunion had attracted particular interest, as Trabzonspor appeared to offer Nunez the chance to work with Salah again while beginning a new chapter in the Turkish league. Instead, the Uruguay international is now expected to remain in the Saudi league and represent Al Diriyah.

The move represents a setback for Trabzonspor, who had been pursuing the striker and would have welcomed the opportunity to add him to their squad. It also means supporters of the Turkish club are unlikely to see Nunez and Salah reunited in their colours.

For Al Diriyah, the agreement provides a route to add an established international forward to their team, although the transfer remains subject to the completion of the medical examination and the signing of the required documents.

Nunez’s next destination has therefore been decided in principle, with Al Diriyah emerging as the club that has secured his services rather than Trabzonspor. The final formalities are expected to determine when the loan can be officially announced.