Darwin Nunez cut from Al-Hilal squad after Karim Benzema arrival | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez has been cut from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival.

According to Goal.com, Benzema joined in the winter window and occupies one of eight foreign-player slots for those born before 2003, meaning Nunez misses out on league registration.

The Uruguay striker left Liverpool as a Premier League title winner, scoring 40 in 143 across three seasons, and moved to Riyadh on a lucrative deal. He has seven goals from 23 outings for Al-Hilal.

Nunez can still feature in the AFC Champions League. Former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has also been omitted for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.

Head coach Simone Inzaghi said the calls were difficult but required, noting the foreign-player restrictions. He wanted Nunez and Mari involved across competitions, yet time pressures forced a decision. He added that Marcos Leonardo could not be registered as Saudi-born and that he informed those left out calmly.

Nunez had pushed for a move in January 2025 and slipped down Liverpool’s pecking order under Arne Slot.

Dietmar Hamann argued Arsenal should have targeted Nunez instead of paying £55m for Viktor Gyokeres. He said Nunez stretches defences with physicality and pace but questioned his finishing and whether he ranks among Europe’s top strikers.

Nunez is said to be weighing his options amid talk of Fenerbahce interest. He is reportedly seeking a return to Europe after struggling to settle in the Middle East.

Source: Goal.com