Breaking: Darwin Núñez is set to leave Al Hilal on a loan deal with an option to buy through June 2027, as Porto and Benfica emerge as frontrunners. The striker has accepted wage concessions, Al Hilal will subsidize part of his salary, and parties aim to finalise paperwork before the Saudi side returns on 3 August.
Darwin Núñez closing in on loan exit from Al Hilal
Darwin Núñez has been granted approval to seek a temporary departure from Al Hilal as negotiations accelerate toward a loan that would likely return the striker to Portugal.
The structure reportedly includes an option to buy extending until June 2027, with Núñez prepared to sacrifice a portion of his salary and Al Hilal agreeing to continue contributing to his wages for one season.
Why Portugal is the leading destination
Benfica and Porto have emerged as the most plausible landing spots. Núñez’s most productive professional period came at Benfica, where his explosive form propelled him to a high‑value move to Liverpool. A return to familiar surroundings offers immediate tactical and psychological benefits: quick adaptation, fan goodwill, and a league where his strengths — power, direct runs and clinical finishing — have historically been more effective.
Timing and the financial framework
All parties are reportedly racing to complete the deal before Al Hilal’s return to Saudi Arabia on 3 August. The loan-plus-option model eases the financial burden on any acquiring club while giving Al Hilal a pathway to offload a large portion of his contract. Núñez’s willingness to forego part of his salary is a pragmatic concession that increases the feasibility of a move for clubs constrained by budgets or transfer strategy.
Context: career arc and recent struggles
Núñez earned acclaim at Benfica, which secured him from Almería for around €25 million, prompting a subsequent transfer to Liverpool for a fee north of €75 million. His high price tag reflected raw potential but his time in the Premier League never fully matched expectations, and his stint in Saudi Arabia has similarly lacked continuity. A return to Portugal would represent both a rehabilitation opportunity for Núñez and a low‑risk gamble for interested clubs.
Interest from other markets and Barcelona’s stance
The striker has attracted attention beyond Portugal, with approaches reportedly made from MLS and Turkey, but those avenues did not materialize. Barcelona were presented with an option to bring Núñez in on loan as a cost‑effective alternative to other targets, but the club remained focused on signing Julián Álvarez and elected not to pursue the move further.
What this means for potential buyers
For Benfica or Porto, Núñez offers an immediate upgrade in profile and goal threat if he rediscovers form. Benfica would be tapping into a familiar fit — a player who once thrived in their system — while Porto would be acquiring a high‑ceiling talent at a reduced immediate cost. Both clubs would need to assess long‑term fit, dressing‑room dynamics and how quickly Núñez could be reintegrated tactically.
For Al Hilal and Núñez
Al Hilal’s decision to facilitate a loan with wage contribution signals a desire to resolve an unsettled chapter without a destructive contract termination. For Núñez, the move is a chance to rebuild value and stability ahead of the prime years of his career. Success back in Portugal would restore his marketability; failure would complicate future options.
Next steps and what to watch
Key milestones to monitor are medical clearance, registration paperwork and whether the option to buy includes a fixed fee. The short timeline means rapid negotiations; expect confirmations or disappointments within days of Al Hilal’s return date. If the move is completed, immediate questions will focus on Núñez’s fitness, match sharpness and how quickly he can adapt to his new coach’s demands.
Analyst take
This feels like a sensible reset move for a player whose profile still merits attention but whose form has been inconsistent. A loan back to Portugal is low risk and high potential reward: the environment best suited to unlock Núñez’s attributes, provided he commits to tactical discipline and rediscovered confidence.
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For suitors, the transaction is less about immediate resale value and more about reclaiming a forward who once looked destined for sustained top‑level impact.
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