Nunez seeks contract termination as Atlanta United open talks with Al Hilal striker

Darwin Nunez has asked Al Hilal to terminate his contract by mutual consent after receiving interest from Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, according to reports in Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum reports that the Uruguay forward has informed the Al Hilal hierarchy he wants to leave “during the current period” in order to pursue a new challenge from next season, and has held talks with the club about ending his deal early.

The same report says Nunez has received approaches from an unnamed American club to clarify his situation, with those enquiries understood to have strengthened his position as he presses for an exit.

Atlanta United in initial talks

Journalist Ben Jacobs stated on X that Atlanta United have now entered preliminary discussions over a move for the Al Hilal striker.

Jacobs wrote that “Nunez has already discussed with Al Hilal the possibility of terminating his contract by mutual consent, but he remains under a valid contract with the club for now.”

No details have yet emerged on the length of Nunez’s current deal, any potential transfer fee or whether Atlanta United would pursue a permanent signing or another form of agreement if Al Hilal refuse to cancel the contract.

Out of Inzaghi’s plans

The shift in Nunez’s situation follows his removal from the plans of Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi.

According to the Saudi reports, the Italian manager has agreed to the striker’s departure during the ongoing transfer window, clearing the way for negotiations over his future to advance.

Nunez’s exclusion from Inzaghi’s thinking has further encouraged the player to push for a resolution, with his camp using interest from the United States as leverage in talks over a mutual termination.

Al Hilal search for marquee forward

In parallel with Nunez’s desire to leave, Al Hilal have already begun work on signing a major attacking reinforcement.

The club’s board has started moves to secure a high-profile forward to strengthen the front line, acting on a request from the coaching staff.

That search underlines Al Hilal’s willingness to reshape their attacking options and suggests they are preparing for life without Nunez, even though his contract status remains unchanged.

No candidates for the new attacking role have yet been named in the reports, and there is no indication of a specific timetable for concluding either Nunez’s departure or the incoming transfer.

Future hinges on contract talks

For now, Nunez remains an Al Hilal player under contract, and any move to Atlanta United or elsewhere will depend on the outcome of his discussions with the Saudi Pro League club.

If an agreement over a mutual termination is reached, it would allow the Uruguayan to negotiate freely with Atlanta United and any other interested teams in the United States.

Should Al Hilal and Nunez fail to find common ground, Atlanta United would need to negotiate directly with the Riyadh club to secure his services.

The situation leaves Nunez’s future finely balanced, with his desire to leave, Al Hilal’s acceptance of his exit in principle, and Atlanta United’s initial talks all converging ahead of the new season.