Barcelona-linked striker chooses next destination as Saudi Arabia exit nears – report

Barcelona-linked striker chooses next destination as Saudi Arabia exit nears – report Darwin Nunez is closing in on a departure from Al Hilal, with the Uruguayan striker expected to leave the Saudi club on loan with an option to buy running until June 2027. Currently with Al Hilal at their pre-season training camp in Austria, Nunez has been pushing for a move away and has now received approval to leave under the proposed arrangement. Given his situation, the South American centre-forward had emerged on the radars of FC Barcelona , as a potential low-cost alternative to Julian Alvarez. Moreover, the Blaugrana were recently offered the opportunity to sign Nunez by his representatives, and the club considered the proposal, although no move materialised. Portugal emerges as most likely destination Now, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah (h/t SPORT ), Nunez is close to returning to the Portuguese league, with Porto and Benfica emerging as the leading contenders for his signature. Headed back to Portugal. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) The striker initially sought to terminate his contract, but the parties have instead settled on a loan agreement. As part of the deal, the striker is prepared to forgo part of his salary, while Al Hilal will continue to contribute towards his wages for one season. Negotiations are underway, with all parties hoping to complete the transfer before Al Hilal return to Saudi Arabia on 3 August. Successful spell at Benfica Nunez enjoyed the most successful period of his career at Benfica after joining the club from Almería. The Portuguese side secured his signing ahead of Barcelona by paying a €25 million transfer fee, a deal that proved to be highly successful. His performances in Lisbon earned him a move to Liverpool for more than €75 million. No Barcelona move for Nunez. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) However, the striker struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and has also failed to settle during his spell in Saudi Arabia. A return to Portugal appeals to Nunez despite interest from several other clubs. Atlanta United from the MLS, and Besiktas made approaches , but none succeeded in reaching an agreement. Barcelona were also offered the chance to sign the striker on loan but have not taken any further steps to pursue the move. The Blaugrana’s full focus remains on signing Julian Alvarez, although they are slowly starting to accept that a move for the Argentine might not materialise.