Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has endured a disheartening and turbulent spell at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, culminating in a silent yet telling protest directed at the club's ownership. The Uruguayan forward, who joined Al-Hilal last summer in a £46 million transfer after winning the Premier League with Liverpool, has faced significant challenges in adapting to his new environment.
A Nightmare Transition from Anfield
Since his high-profile move from Liverpool in 2022, Nunez struggled to meet expectations at Anfield, leading to his sale to Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old's difficulties have only intensified in Saudi Arabia, where his form has been underwhelming. Up until February this year, he managed just six goals in 17 appearances in the Saudi top division, a tally that failed to justify his substantial wages and transfer fee.
The Benzema Bombshell
Al-Hilal's response to Nunez's poor performances was swift and decisive. The club delved into the transfer market to secure Real Madrid icon and Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema from rivals Al-Ittihad in a significant mid-season twist. This move not only replaced Nunez in the starting lineup but led to his complete exclusion from Al-Hilal's domestic squad list last month.
Manager Simone Inzaghi justified this harsh decision by citing Saudi Pro League regulations that restrict clubs to just eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man roster. "The decision was difficult but that's the job of a coach," Inzaghi stated. "Nunez and Pablo Mari are good players. I want them in all competitions but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players."
Transfer Window Frustration and Exile
Following Benzema's arrival in early February, rumours swirled that Nunez was seeking an immediate exit after just six months at the club. He was linked with moves to Fenerbahce and Flamengo, but no transfer materialised during the window, leaving him stranded at Al-Hilal with expectations now pointing toward a summer departure.
Despite being ineligible for Saudi Pro League matches, Nunez remains registered for the Asian Champions League. His most recent appearance came on February 16th against Al-Wahda, where he played the full 90 minutes and scored both goals in a 2-1 victory. It was during this match that Nunez delivered his subtle yet powerful message to the Al-Hilal hierarchy.
The Silent Celebration Speaks Volumes
After scoring his second goal, Nunez turned and walked backwards while maintaining a prolonged stare toward the executive box where Al-Hilal's owner sits. With a sly grin on his face, he held his gaze for several seconds before looking away and muttering something under his breath. This calculated celebration served as a clear, wordless protest against his treatment by the club's management.
Nunez hasn't played a competitive match for Al-Hilal in over a month due to postponed AFC Champions League fixtures against Al-Sadd, resulting from ongoing regional conflicts. Despite earning £20 million annually (approximately £400,000 per week), he has managed just nine goals and five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Psychological Distance and International Duty
The psychological distance between Nunez and his current club is further evidenced by his social media activity. The Uruguayan has conspicuously avoided posting any images of himself in Al-Hilal colours on his Instagram account, while maintaining numerous pictures from his Liverpool days prominently displayed.
Despite his club career coming to a grinding halt, Nunez has been selected by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa for upcoming friendlies against England and Algeria. He is set to return to England on Friday, where he's expected to feature against the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium, providing a temporary respite from his Saudi exile.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Nunez's future remains uncertain. His substantial wages and recent exclusion from Al-Hilal's domestic squad present significant obstacles to any potential move, while his pointed message to the club's ownership suggests a relationship that may be beyond repair.
