Key Takeaways:
- Darwin Núñez has formally indicated his desire to leave Al Hilal ahead of schedule
- River Plate have submitted an official offer, but Núñez reportedly favours a European return
- The Uruguayan striker has notched 5 goals and 2 assists across 11 appearances since joining Al Hilal in August
Striker’s Discontent in Saudi Arabia
Darwin Núñez, currently leading the line for Saudi club Al Hilal, has made clear his intent to depart before the conclusion of his current contract. The Uruguayan international, aged 26, has become increasingly unhappy with his circumstances at Al Hilal and is actively searching for new opportunities to prolong his footballing career elsewhere.
🚨 Darwin Núñez is already considering an exit from Al Hilal, despite only arriving in Saudi Arabia six months ago.
The former Liverpool striker is understood to be unsettled and eager to move on, with his representatives offering him to Argentine giants River Plate as a… pic.twitter.com/W2BMubEkTa
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 3, 2025
Reports suggest that Núñez has grown deeply dissatisfied with both the competitive environment and his prospects for development within the Saudi Pro League. The striker is said to be “seriously determined to leave the Saudi Pro League as soon as possible,” citing dissatisfaction with the league’s standard and growing concerns regarding his professional growth. Insiders note that “Núñez is dissatisfied with the level of the league and realizes that it will be difficult for him to grow in such conditions.”
Núñez’ motivation to secure a move is heightened by the approach of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he is acutely aware that his place in Uruguay’s World Cup squad is far from guaranteed should he remain outside top-tier European competition.
Interest from River Plate and European Clubs
Núñez’ yearning for a move has sparked transfer activity, with Argentine heavyweights River Plate having already put forward an official proposal to acquire his services. Nevertheless, indications suggest that Núñez is more inclined towards a return to Europe, where he previously enjoyed success with both Benfica and Liverpool before his move to Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal Tenure and Transfer Obstacles
Since arriving at Al Hilal in August, Núñez has accumulated 11 appearances, registering 5 goals and providing 2 assists – a respectable return in a relatively short timeframe. Despite these contributions, his long-term contract, which commits him to Al Hilal until 2028, and his current market valuation – listed at 45 million euros on Transfermarkt – present substantial hurdles for clubs intent on securing his signature.
| Season at Al Hilal | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Contract End | Market Value (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since August | 11 | 5 | 2 | 2028 | 45,000,000 |
Looking Ahead
With uncertainty surrounding his future at Al Hilal and ongoing interest from clubs such as River Plate, the coming weeks could prove pivotal as Darwin Núñez assesses his options and weighs potential moves amid aspirations both for club glory and World Cup selection with Uruguay.
