Juventus Eye Move for Darwin Nunez as Striker Seeks Saudi Exit
Juventus are exploring a move for Al Hilal forward Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan striker reportedly keen on a return to European football. The 26-year-old, who moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool for a reported €65 million in the summer of 2025, is said to be open to a departure after just one season in the Middle East, with the Bianconeri monitoring the situation closely.
Nunez's time in Saudi Arabia has been challenging, with the player now reportedly seeking a return to Europe. His opportunities at Al Hilal have diminished, particularly following the high-profile signing of Karim Benzema, which has led to Nunez being excluded from the club's squad list for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season. This has accelerated his desire for a move, with sources close to the player suggesting a willingness to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a return to a major European league.
Juventus have long been admirers of the 26-year-old. According to Italian reports, the club had previously shown interest in the striker before his move to the Middle East, and they have now rekindled their pursuit. The club's sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is an admirer of the player's profile and is reportedly exploring the feasibility of a deal, which would likely be a loan with an option or obligation to buy, given Juventus's financial constraints.
Nunez's career has been a mix of promise and unfulfilled potential. Signed by Liverpool from Benfica for an initial €75 million in 2022, the Uruguayan showed flashes of his devastating physical and technical ability—scoring 33 goals and providing 17 assists in 94 appearances—but struggled for consistent form. His final season at Anfield saw him fall down the pecking order under new manager Arne Slot, prompting his €65 million move to Al Hilal. His time in Saudi Arabia has been underwhelming, with his exclusion from the squad signaling a likely departure.
For Juventus, the move represents a calculated gamble. Manager Thiago Motta is seeking a dynamic, physical presence in the final third, and Nunez's ability to play across the front line and his raw physical attributes remain highly attractive. The club's ability to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season will be a critical factor in any deal, both for the financial boost and the appeal needed to attract a player of his profile.
A move would likely be structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, a formula Juventus has used frequently. The main hurdles remain Al Hilal's demands and Nunez's significant wages, estimated at over €20 million per year. However, the player's reported desire to leave Saudi Arabia could be the catalyst for a compromise, with Nunez potentially lowering his salary demands to secure a return to a top European league and Juventus offering a prominent role in their new project under Motta.
