Darwin Núñez is set for another major change in Saudi Arabia, with the Al-Hilal striker closing in on a season-long loan move to newly promoted Al-Diriyah.
The proposed switch would keep the former Liverpool forward in the Saudi Pro League but take him away from Al-Hilal after a difficult first year in Riyadh.
Fabrizio Romano has reported a verbal agreement between the two Saudi clubs, with Núñez expected to remain at Al-Diriyah until June 2027.
The contracts still need to be signed and a medical completed before the move becomes official.
From Al-Hilal star to an unexpected loan exit
Núñez joined Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer in a major move designed to give the Saudi club another elite attacking option.
However, his first season did not develop as expected.
The Uruguayan scored nine goals in all competitions but was subsequently left out of Al-Hilal's domestic squad during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign because of the league's foreign-player restrictions.
[Talksport]
His situation became even more uncertain after Al-Hilal strengthened their attacking options.
The club are now pursuing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, while Karim Benzema's future is also being discussed. That has made Núñez's departure increasingly likely.
Al-Diriyah move beats Trabzonspor reunion
The most intriguing part of the story is where Núñez is heading.
The striker had been linked with Trabzonspor, which would have reunited him with former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.
That possibility has now effectively disappeared.
Al-Diriyah have stepped in and reached an agreement with Al-Hilal for the loan, ending the possibility of the former Liverpool forwards playing together again in Turkey.
[Tribal Football +1]
For Núñez, the move offers a chance to stay in the Saudi league while potentially playing a more prominent role.
A chance to restart his Saudi adventure
The loan could be exactly what Núñez needs.
At Al-Hilal, competition for attacking places and the restrictions on foreign-player registration have limited his opportunities.
Al-Diriyah, meanwhile, are newly promoted and will be looking for proven attacking quality as they prepare for life in the Saudi top flight.
Reports indicate that the agreement will see Núñez's wages covered during the loan, although the exact percentage differs between reports.
[Goal +1]
Importantly, the current agreement reportedly does not include an option to make the move permanent.
[Goal]
That means Núñez's long-term future could remain open.
What this means for Al-Hilal
For Al-Hilal, Núñez's departure would create additional room as the club reshapes its attack.
Their interest in Watkins suggests they want to bring in another centre-forward, while Benzema remains part of the wider uncertainty surrounding the position.
[Talksport]
Núñez's loan therefore appears to be part of a much bigger attacking overhaul.
The 27-year-old now has an opportunity to change the narrative surrounding his time in Saudi Arabia.
After a frustrating spell at Al-Hilal, regular football at Al-Diriyah could give him the platform to rediscover the goalscoring form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after forwards.
For now, though, the move is agreed verbally rather than officially completed.
And Núñez's Saudi story is heading towards another unexpected chapter.
Fan Debate
●⚽ Goal: Can Núñez rediscover his best form at Al-Diriyah?
●🔥 Fire: Should Al-Hilal have kept the Uruguayan striker?
●😲 Shock: Did you expect Núñez to leave Al-Hilal after just one season?
●👍 Like: Would you have preferred to see him reunite with Salah at Trabzonspor?
●💬 Comment: What should Núñez's next career move be if the Al-Diriyah loan succeeds?
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