Darwin Núñez Approaches Return to Portugal After Al Hilal Exit

Darwin Núñez is closing in on the next twist of a career that has rarely stood still. The Uruguayan striker is expected to leave Al Hilal on loan, with an option to buy running until June 2027, as his brief and unsettled spell in Saudi Arabia moves towards an early end.

He is currently with Al Hilal at their pre-season camp in Austria, but his mind has been elsewhere. Núñez has been pushing for a move, and the club have now given the green light for him to depart under the proposed arrangement.

Barcelona look, but do not leap

Given his situation, Núñez inevitably attracted glances from Europe’s elite. FC Barcelona had him on their radar as a potential low-cost alternative to Julián Álvarez, a market opportunity rather than a marquee target.

His representatives offered him to the Catalan club and the proposal was studied. It went no further. No bid, no negotiations, just a passing consideration in a summer dominated by Barcelona’s pursuit of Álvarez.

The message from the Camp Nou is clear: their priority remains the Manchester City forward, even as they slowly start to accept that a deal for the Argentine may not happen.

Portugal steps forward

While Barcelona hesitated, Portugal moved to the front of the queue.

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Núñez is now close to returning to the Portuguese league, with Porto and Benfica emerging as the leading contenders for his signature. For a player searching for rhythm and familiarity, it is no coincidence that the Liga Portugal has become the most likely destination.

Initially, Núñez pushed to terminate his contract with Al Hilal altogether. That idea has been shelved. Instead, the parties have settled on a loan structure.

The 25-year-old is prepared to give up part of his salary to make the move happen, while Al Hilal will continue to cover a portion of his wages for one season. Talks are ongoing, with all sides keen to wrap up the deal before Al Hilal return to Saudi Arabia on 3 August.

The clock is ticking, and everyone involved knows it.

Benfica memories, Liverpool scars

A return to Portugal would not just be a career reset; it would be a reunion with the league where Núñez played his best football.

He enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at Benfica after joining from Almería. The Lisbon club beat Barcelona to his signing back then, paying €25 million in a move that turned into a resounding success. Núñez exploded in the Portuguese capital, his form convincing Liverpool to invest more than €75 million to take him to the Premier League.

England, though, never quite felt like home. The striker struggled to fully establish himself at Anfield, his flashes of chaos and brilliance never quite settling into the consistent dominance Liverpool had hoped for.

Saudi Arabia has been even less forgiving. His time at Al Hilal has not brought stability or comfort, and the search for a setting that suits his game has begun again.

Other suitors fall away

Núñez’s profile and availability naturally drew interest from across the globe. Atlanta United from MLS and Turkish giants Beşiktaş both made approaches. Neither club managed to reach an agreement.

Barcelona, too, had the option placed in front of them: a loan deal, relatively low risk, a striker who knows European football. They chose not to advance. Their gaze remains fixed on Álvarez, even if the chances of landing him shrink with each passing week.

So the path clears for Portugal.

For Núñez, it is a chance to step back into a league that understood him, a style of football that showcased his power, movement and relentless running. For Porto and Benfica, it is a rare opportunity to bring back a forward who has already proved he can dominate there.

Now it comes down to the final details, the final signatures, and one decisive question: will Darwin Núñez’s career finally find its balance where it once truly took off?