Darwin Nunez transfer from Al Hilal to Trabzonspor nears completion
Darwin Nunez's move from Al Hilal to Trabzonspor is close, but unpaid wages are delaying the official announcement.
Key Takeaways
AINegotiations over the transfer of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from Al Hilal to Turkish club Trabzonspor have reached a decisive stage, but the deal's official announcement is on hold due to a financial dispute between the player and his current club.
According to Turkish outlet '61 Saat' on Sunday, Trabzonspor has reached an agreement with Nunez on personal terms, but outstanding wages owed by Al Hilal—estimated at around €12 million—remain the final obstacle to completing the transfer.
The report added that Nunez earns an annual salary of nearly €20 million, and tax issues related to these payments have further complicated negotiations, despite optimism that a resolution is near.
Transfer developments and Nunez's career
In the same context, Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported on Friday that Trabzonspor has agreed terms with Nunez, while talks continue with Al Hilal, who signed the striker from Liverpool for about €53 million on a contract running until 2028.
Earlier reports had suggested Nunez might move on loan, but it has since become clear that the delay centers on the issue of unpaid wages.
Nunez, 27, began his career at Uruguay's Penarol before moving to Spain's Almeria, then Benfica, and later joining Liverpool in 2022. He is set to transfer to Al Hilal in the summer of 2025.
Nunez's stats and achievements
Nunez has played 306 club matches, scoring 117 goals: 4 with Penarol, 16 with Almeria, 48 with Benfica, 40 with Liverpool, and 9 goals in 24 appearances for Al Hilal. In the Saudi Pro League last season, he scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 16 matches.
He has won the Uruguayan league with Penarol, and the Premier League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield with Liverpool. Internationally, he has scored 13 goals in 41 appearances for Uruguay, featuring in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups and the 2024 Copa America.
Trabzonspor is now prepared to welcome their new striker, with the €12 million in unpaid wages remaining the final hurdle to finalizing the deal.