Núñez Agrees Al-Hilal Exit, Eyes European Move

Darwin Núñez has reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to depart at the end of the current Saudi Pro League campaign. The Uruguay striker joined the club last August for £46 million ($63 million) but became frozen out after a squad registration limit forced his exclusion. He has not played for Al-Hilal since February.

Núñez's sidelining stemmed from Saudi Pro League rules allowing only eight foreign players born before 2003 in a club's 25-man squad. Al-Hilal prioritized new signing Karim Benzema in January, leaving the 26-year-old out. Despite earning £400,000 per week, Núñez has trained separately from the matchday group for months.

Núñez scored six goals and provided four assists in 16 league appearances for Al-Hilal. Previously at Liverpool, the forward from Benfica netted 40 goals in 143 games over three seasons. His final campaign there drew criticism from manager Arne Slot over work rate.

Reports from Uruguayan outlet Referi indicate Núñez has stayed professional amid lost national team starts under Marcelo Bielsa. Chelsea and Juventus hold interest as he seeks a European return to revive his top-level career.