Trabzonspor await Darwin Nunez breakthrough as Al Hilal financial issue persists

Trabzonspor believe they could complete the signing of Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez at any time, although outstanding financial matters involving the Uruguay international continue to delay an official announcement.

Turkish outlet 61saat reports that negotiations over Nunez’s proposed move to Trabzonspor have made positive progress. The Turkish club and the player are understood to have reached an agreement on the personal terms of the deal, but several financial details still need to be settled before the transfer can be formally completed.

Nunez is reported to earn an annual salary of about €20m at Al Hilal. The 26-year-old is also said to be owed €12m in outstanding payments by the Saudi Arabian club.

The unresolved sum is subject to taxation, which has added complexity to the negotiations and extended the time needed to reach a final agreement. Discussions over the issue are continuing in a positive manner, with some Trabzonspor officials reportedly confident that the transfer could be concluded shortly.

However, the financial arrangements remain an important factor in determining when the deal can be confirmed publicly. No formal announcement has yet been made by either club.

Nunez joined Al Hilal after establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading forwards. A move to Trabzonspor would represent a major addition to the Turkish club’s attacking options, but the negotiations remain dependent on the resolution of the financial issue involving his current employers.

Trabzonspor are also working on another significant piece of transfer business as they seek to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

The club have held talks with a young English midfielder, although the player’s identity has not been disclosed. His current club rejected Trabzonspor’s offer for his services, meaning that deal has not advanced.

Trabzonspor have also spoken to Atakan Karazor about a possible move from VfB Stuttgart. Those discussions have not produced an agreement, but another meeting between the two sides could take place in the coming period.

The club’s search for a midfielder is focused on a young player with considerable height who can operate in a defensive midfield role. That profile could lead to a change in Trabzonspor’s foreign-player group if the club completes the signing.

61saat said: “Trabzonspor’s foreign-player list is expected to undergo a surprise change, as the club is looking for a tall young midfielder who is capable of playing as a holding midfielder. This could force one of the current foreign players to leave to make room for the new signing.”

Trabzonspor are therefore continuing to manage two separate transfer priorities: finalising the complicated financial arrangements required to bring Nunez from Al Hilal, while also attempting to add a physically imposing midfielder before the deadline.