Fabrizio Romano: Nunez transfer on as Spurs and Newcastle move | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Set for European Return as Summer Window Heats Up

Fabrizio Romano has once again set the tempo of the transfer conversation, this time turning the spotlight on Darwin Nunez and a situation that has shifted rapidly in Saudi Arabia. The Uruguayan forward, who only swapped European football for Al Hilal last summer, now finds himself on the margins after the winter arrival of Karim Benzema.

Romano’s update adds weight to the growing sense that this story is far from finished.

Saudi Setback Sparks Uncertainty

Romano was clear in his assessment. “Darwin Nunez is going to be a big topic for the summer transfer window because he’s now out of the Al-Hilal squad for the Saudi Pro League, only playing the Asian Champions League.

“Darwin Nunez is not happy at all about the situation, he can’t be happy. He only joined a few months ago and now out of the squad in the Pro League.

“It’s a technical decision after Benzema joined, and you can imagine a big character like Nunez can’t be happy.”

Those words underline the abrupt nature of the change. Squad limits on foreign players have forced Al Hilal’s hand, and Nunez has paid the price. For a striker who thrives on rhythm and emotion, such exclusion cuts deep. He is a player who feeds off intensity, who needs to feel central to the project.

As one source close to the situation suggested, the competitive fire that once drove him at Liverpool has not dimmed. It simply lacks a stage.

Photo: IMAGO

European Clubs Circling

Romano continued with a strong hint at what lies ahead. “So Darwin could be back to Europe in the summer, it’s a possibility. Follow the Nunez situation in the next months because there will be movements and there are several clubs already looking at that situation, from Europe and not only.

“It will be up to Darwin to decide. In Saudi the salary is completely different. In Europe it would be reduced, and so it’s up to Darwin to decide whether he wants to go somewhere where he can get big money still as he’s doing at Al-Hilal, or maybe go back to Europe [for less money].”

He concluded by stating that “there will be movement” in the summer.

That phrase carries weight. Tottenham and Newcastle have already been mentioned, with intermediaries laying groundwork. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also monitoring developments. Atleti’s interest may depend on Julian Alvarez and his suitors, while Juventus are considering options that include Joshua Zirkzee, yet Nunez offers a far more direct, explosive profile.

Financially, the equation is delicate. Nunez reportedly earns around £400,000 per week. A return to Europe would demand compromise. Yet ambition often outweighs income for players still in their prime. At 26, he stands at a crossroads.

Spurs and Newcastle in Frame

For Tottenham and Newcastle, this is about opportunity. Spurs seek a focal point who can stretch defences and attack space. Newcastle continue to build depth to compete domestically and in Europe. Nunez brings pace, power, and unpredictability, qualities that unsettle even the most organised back lines.

His time in Saudi Arabia may yet prove a brief detour rather than a defining chapter. As Romano indicates, the summer window promises movement, and Nunez’s next step could reshape the attacking landscape in the Premier League and beyond.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Spurs have been searching for a forward who can inject urgency and physical presence into their attack. Nunez offers both. His direct running and willingness to press could align well with a side that values tempo and transition.

There are risks. His finishing has at times been erratic, and adapting back to Premier League intensity after a season in Saudi Arabia would require mental resilience. Yet supporters would likely welcome the ambition such a signing represents. Accepting a pay cut would also signal commitment, something fans appreciate.

If Tottenham can structure a deal that protects the club financially while unleashing Nunez’s energy in North London, it could be a gamble worth taking. He remains a forward capable of decisive moments, and in a league defined by fine margins, that matters greatly.