Darwin Nunez Stays in Saudi Arabia: Al-Diriyah Loan Deal

Darwin Nunez has made his call. The Uruguayan striker is staying in Saudi Arabia – but changing colours.

Al-Diriyah have reached a verbal agreement with Al-Hilal to take Nunez on loan, shutting down talk of a dramatic move to Turkey and a reunion with Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor.

Saudi switch over Turkish reunion

Trabzonspor had pushed hard in recent days. The prospect was a romantic one: Nunez and Salah back together after their Liverpool days, this time leading the line in the Turkish league. Supporters had already started to dream.

Those hopes faded with one post.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on X that Al-Hilal and Al-Diriyah have struck a verbal deal for the forward. The agreement sends Nunez to Al-Diriyah on loan until June 2027, with his salary fully covered for the duration of the spell.

Crucially, there is no option for a permanent transfer in the current deal. This is a long-term loan, not a sale.

Details still to be signed off

The framework is in place, but the move is not over the line yet. Contracts still need signatures, and Nunez must complete his medical before Al-Diriyah can unveil him officially.

Work is already under way to arrange those final steps. Once completed, Nunez will pull on an Al-Diriyah shirt and continue his career in the Saudi league rather than stepping into the intensity of Turkish football.

For Trabzonspor, it is a sharp blow. The club had chased the deal, the fans had pictured Salah feeding Nunez again, and the Turkish league stood ready for a headline-grabbing arrival.

Instead, Nunez has chosen to extend his Middle Eastern chapter. The reunion will have to wait.