Darwin Nunez Faces Saudi Pro League Exclusion After Al-Hilal Squad Axe
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been left in a precarious position after being axed from Al-Hilal's 25-man squad, a move necessitated by the club's acquisition of Karim Benzema. The Uruguayan international, who departed the Premier League champions last summer, now finds himself sidelined for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season, with his playing opportunities severely limited.
Nunez's Struggles Continue in Saudi Arabia
Nunez, 26, joined Al-Hilal from Liverpool in a high-profile transfer, but his time in the Middle East has been marked by inconsistency. Despite scoring seven goals in 23 appearances for the Saudi Pro League leaders, his place in the squad has been sacrificed to accommodate the incoming Benzema. This decision underscores the competitive pressures and foreign player restrictions in Saudi football, which limit clubs to eight foreign players born before 2003.
The striker's exit from Liverpool came after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, where he made only eight starts despite the Reds' title triumph. Liverpool incurred a significant financial loss on the £85 million package they initially paid Benfica to secure his services, highlighting the gamble that has yet to pay off for both clubs.
Inzaghi's Difficult Decision and Benzema's Impact
Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi described the choice to omit Nunez and former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari as a challenging one, driven by squad registration constraints. "The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach. He makes many decisions every day, even in every training session," Inzaghi stated. "Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players."
Inzaghi emphasized that time was a critical factor, as the club could not register Marcos Leonardo as a Saudi-born player, forcing the exclusion of Nunez. The coach personally informed the affected players of his decision, acknowledging their quality but prioritizing squad compliance with league regulations.
Benzema, 38, joined Al-Hilal after rejecting a contract extension with Al-Ittihad, bringing a wealth of experience from his storied career at Real Madrid. Inzaghi praised the French striker's pedigree, noting that his presence will enhance the team "in every aspect, not just on the pitch." This acquisition signals Al-Hilal's ambition to strengthen their squad with world-class talent, albeit at the expense of players like Nunez.
Limited Playing Prospects for Nunez
With his exclusion from the domestic squad, Nunez is now only eligible to participate in five more games this season, all in the AFC Champions League. This development raises questions about his future at Al-Hilal and his career trajectory following his high-profile move from Liverpool. The situation highlights the volatile nature of football transfers, where even significant investments can lead to uncertain outcomes.
As Al-Hilal focus on integrating Benzema and competing for titles, Nunez must navigate this setback, potentially seeking opportunities elsewhere or proving his worth in continental competitions. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with moves to emerging football leagues, where squad dynamics and regulations can quickly alter a player's fortunes.
