Newcastle United keeping an eye on Darwin Nunez ahead of impending Al-Hilal departure | OneFootball

Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez, who is set to become a free agent.

The 26-year-old forward is in talks to terminate his contract with the Saudi Pro League side by mutual consent, prompting immediate interest from several clubs hoping to secure a free transfer.

Nunez’s impending exit from Saudi Arabia comes just ten months after his €53 million (£46.2 million) move from Liverpool, a spell that started brightly but quickly unravelled due to strict foreign player registration rules.

After Al-Hilal’s blockbuster winter signing of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, the club exceeded the league’s non-national player quota, and Nunez became the high-profile casualty sacrificed to register Benzema, leaving the Uruguayan frozen out of first-team action since February.

Despite recording nine goals and five assists in 24 appearances during his brief spell in the Middle East, Nunez’s lack of competitive minutes this spring has complicated his standing.

The striker has seen his previously prominent role in Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad reduced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, often featuring as a substitute in recent friendlies.

For Newcastle, the chance to sign an experienced, physically imposing forward on a free transfer represents a major market opportunity.

However, a deal will require careful financial manoeuvring. Nunez currently earns £375,000 a week in Saudi Arabia and would need to accept a significant salary reduction to make a Premier League return possible under Newcastle’s strict financial structure.

The player is also reportedly keen on a return to Liverpool, who may enter the market for a new centre-forward following Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury.