Sand between your toes and a bank account full doesn’t make you a better football player. – If the goal is to excel in the World Cup, low-level football in Saudi Arabia is not the ideal pre-season.
Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez wants a change of scenery before the 2026 World Cup and offers himself to 3 clubs for January.
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The future of Darwin Núñez once again sets the transfer market in motion. The Uruguayan striker, who is currently at Al Hilal, is going through a period of discontent in Saudi Arabia and his agents have already offered him to three clubs: River Plate, Flamengo and Atlético Madrid.
The player’s intention is to leave in the upcoming January transfer window to regain prominence before the 2026 World Cup.
Darwin Núñez understands that he needs playing time and a competitive environment where he can show his best version. In Saudi Arabia, he only played 11 games, despite Al Hilal paying Liverpool €53 million to sign him as their attacking reference point after Neymar’s departure. The lack of playing time has opened doors in South America and Spain.
Darwin Núñez and the opportunity at River Plate
River Plate is rebuilding their roster after a challenging 2025 season and their elimination in the Clausura tournament against Racing. Manager Marcelo Gallardo is looking to strengthen the attack, and Darwin Núñez is emerging as an interesting option. The departures of key players such as Enzo Pérez, Milton Casco and Nacho Fernández have created a need to bring in high-profile figures who can immediately increase the team’s competitiveness.
The Uruguayan fits the profile that River Plate needs: a striker with international projection, goalscoring prowess and European experience. The club is considering a loan with an option to buy, aware that the deal will depend on Al Hilal’s will, as they will not let him leave without a convincing offer.
Flamengo and Atlético Madrid follow Darwin Núñez closely
In Brazil, Flamengo is following Darvin Núñez’s situation closely. With Pedro injured and Wallace Yan on his way out, the Rio de Janeiro club are looking for a striker who can lead the attack and compete in the Copa Libertadores. Núñez’s arrival would meet more needs and send a clear signal that Flamengo aims to regain international prominence in 2025.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid remain interested due to a potential departure for Alexander Sorloth. Darwin Núñez would fit perfectly into Diego Simeone’s style of play, complementing Julián Álvarez and bolstering the attacking line with strength and mobility. The Spanish club reviews his contractual situation and explores options before making a final decision.
Darwin Núñez’s departure from Al Hilal
In Al Hilal, it is acknowledged that Darwin Núñez failed to establish himself as the main offensive force. Despite five goals and two assists, the striker is seeking weekly prominence and a competitive environment to keep his place in the Uruguayan national team. His contract runs until 2028, but the player’s pressure could speed up negotiations in January.
Darwin Núñez is facing a pivotal moment in his career. His discontent in Saudi Arabia and the desire for significant playing time place him on the radar of clubs with ambitious projects. River Plate, Flamengo and Atlético de Madrid emerge as options where he could regain confidence and continuity before facing continental and global challenges.
The decision on his future will shape his career trajectory and influence the plans of the interested clubs. The January transfer window will be crucial for Darwin Núñez to find a destination where he can establish himself as an attacking reference and return to the level he showed in Europe.
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