Barcelona-linked 27-year-old striker close to agreeing loan move to Turkey – report | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez is one of the most talked-about names in this summer’s transfer market. The Uruguayan forward has not been convinced by life in Saudi Arabian football and, after just one season in the Middle East, is looking to leave Al-Hilal in search of a new challenge.

The Uruguay international, who did not enjoy a standout 2026 FIFA World Cup, returned to his club’s pre-season training camp recently after his holiday.

Although he is under contract until 2028, he is eager to move on. Against that backdrop, several clubs have expressed interest in signing him.

Among them are FC Barcelona, who view him as a potential option should Deco’s primary attacking targets fail to materialise.

So far, there has been no movement from the Catalan club, although the 27-year-old striker has been offered to the Blaugrana.

Nunez wants to leave Al-Hilal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Turkey move incoming?

Now, according to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri (h/t SPORT), Nunez is close to reaching an agreement with Besiktas, where he would be guaranteed the playing time he is seeking, although his salary would be lower than the package available in MLS.

The proposed deal would be a loan until the end of the season, as Al-Hilal are unwilling to let him leave for a low fee after investing €55 million in his signing last summer.

The move has ultimately proved unsuccessful, particularly given that Karim Benzema remained the first-choice striker at the Saudi Pro League club.

Interest from MLS as well

Meanwhile, along with Besiktas, Nunez also has another proposal on the table from the Major League Soccer in the USA.

Offers from Turkey and USA. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Indeed, as reported earlier in the week, Atlanta United have submitted an offer to Al-Hilal to sign the former Liverpool striker.

However, for now, the Uruguayan international prefers to return to Europe over a move to the USA.

What about Barcelona?

It is clear that Barcelona intend to sign a top striker this summer and their current priority remains Atletico Madrid and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez.

A move for him, however, is proving to be very complicated, with Los Rojiblancos refusing to sell him this summer.

As such, Deco is starting to explore the market for alternatives, and while Nunez could be an option, a move for him seems unlikely at this point.