Barcelona target closes in on Saudi exit as Portuguese option emerges – Report | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez appears set to leave Al Hilal after only one season, but FC Barcelona are currently watching from a distance rather than pushing to sign the Uruguayan striker.

According to SPORT, Nunez is close to securing a loan move running until June 2027, with an option to buy. The forward is willing to accept a reduction in salary, while Al Hilal would continue to cover a portion of his wages for the coming campaign.

Nunez had initially explored terminating his contract, but the loan arrangement now offers a more realistic route back to Europe. His priority is to join a club capable of competing for major trophies.

Benfica and Porto are presented as the leading options, with negotiations already underway. The deal could reportedly be completed before Al Hilal return to Saudi Arabia on August 3.

A return to Benfica would carry obvious emotional and sporting appeal. Nunez produced the best football of his career there before Liverpool paid more than €75 million to bring him to the Premier League.

His spell in England never fully justified that huge investment, while his move to Saudi Arabia has also failed to provide the stability he was seeking. At 27, he now needs regular football in a familiar environment more than another complicated transfer.

Barcelona were offered the chance to make a move

Nunez’s representatives recently offered the striker to Barcelona, and the possibility of a loan was discussed internally. However, Barca have not taken any concrete steps towards entering negotiations.

That caution makes sense. Nunez offers power, depth and aggressive running, but his finishing can be inconsistent, and Barcelona cannot afford to commit significant wages to a player who may not be the clear first-choice striker.

The loan structure would reduce the financial risk, especially if Al Hilal covered part of his salary, but Flick’s squad planning must be based on suitability rather than opportunity alone. Barca need a forward who can combine reliably with Lamine Yamal, Pedri and the rest of the team in possession.

Portugal therefore appears to be the more natural next step for Nunez. Unless Barcelona’s other attacking plans change, this is not a deal the Catalan club are likely to pursue this summer.