Darwin Núñez’s story refuses to settle. Months after swapping Anfield for Riyadh, the Uruguayan striker is suddenly back on European radars — and the race to sign him has taken an unexpected twist.
A Sudden Shift in the Darwin Núñez’s Transfer Winds
Núñez’s move to Al Hilal last summer, a deal rising to £56.6 million, was supposed to mark a fresh chapter after a mixed three-year spell at Liverpool where he produced 25 goals in 95 games.
In Saudi Arabia, his form finally sparked: five goals in 11 matches despite battling recurring knee problems.
But even with the goals flowing, reports claim he is seeking a move away when the January window opens. And now, a surprising contender has entered the chase.
According to sources in Argentina, River Plate have already been approached.
Yet the more intriguing development comes from Turkey, where Fenerbahçe have emerged as a genuine suitor.
The Istanbul powerhouse — eyeing a new forward — has begun a full cost analysis to assess whether they can afford the 26-year-old.
Matching his Al Hilal salary, believed to hit an eye-watering £400,000 per week, is impossible.
But a creative structure could make the deal work: sales revenue, a subsidised salary from Al Hilal, or even a loan arrangement.
Núñez, for his part, seems open to the idea. Reports claim he has already sought insight from teammate Yusuf Akcicek, who arrived from Fenerbahçe, and fellow Uruguayan Diego Lugano, a club icon after five seasons in Istanbul.
With competition already strong in Fenerbahçe’s attacking department — including Youssef En-Nesyri, Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Dorgeles Nene — the club sees Núñez as a potential statement signing.
As January approaches, one thing is apparent: Núñez’s chapter in Saudi Arabia may be shorter than expected, and Europe’s doors are creaking open once again.
