Just a few short years ago, Darwin Núñez was making headlines as Liverpool’s marquee signing, with the English giants shelling out a hefty 85 million euros to secure the Uruguayan striker from Benfica. Fast forward to February 2026, and Núñez finds himself at the heart of a very different story—one that’s left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads and wondering what comes next for a player once tipped for global stardom.
The latest twist? Núñez has been dropped from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad. That’s right—after a high-profile move to the desert club last summer, Núñez’s trajectory has taken a sharp turn. The news broke earlier today, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that Al-Hilal, currently sitting atop the Saudi Pro League standings, has officially removed the 26-year-old from their league roster. The decision, while shocking to some, appears to be closely tied to the arrival of another big name: Karim Benzema.
Benzema, now 38, joined Al-Hilal from another Saudi club, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a legendary reputation. His signing, though celebrated by Al-Hilal fans, has come at a cost for Núñez. With Benzema’s arrival, Núñez has slipped further down the club’s internal hierarchy, and his opportunities for meaningful minutes on the pitch have dwindled. The club hasn’t shied away from this reality, either. As sources close to the team suggest, the move to drop Núñez from the league squad is as much a statement of intent as it is a tactical decision.
"As transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports, the league leader has now removed the Uruguayan from the league squad." The words are ringing through football circles, sparking debate about the wisdom of Al-Hilal’s approach and what it means for Núñez’s future.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the former Liverpool frontman. While Núñez’s domestic league prospects have taken a hit, he remains very much in Al-Hilal’s plans for continental competition. His name still appears on the club’s list for the AFC Champions League, the Asian equivalent of Europe’s prestigious Champions League. Al-Hilal, with their eyes firmly set on continental glory, clearly believe Núñez can still play a role in their pursuit of the title.
That said, the situation is anything but ideal for a player of Núñez’s caliber and ambition. At just 26, he should be entering the prime years of his career, not languishing on the sidelines or being shuffled between competitions. The timing is particularly awkward, given that Uruguay’s national team is gearing up for the upcoming World Cup—a stage where Núñez would surely hope to shine and cement his reputation as one of South America’s finest forwards.
For context, Núñez’s journey to this point has been nothing short of dramatic. After bursting onto the scene with Benfica, his explosive pace and eye for goal caught the attention of Europe’s elite. Liverpool, eager to bolster their attacking options, made their move and paid a premium for his services. Expectations were sky-high, and while Núñez showed flashes of brilliance at Anfield, his time in England was marked by both promise and inconsistency.
The switch to Al-Hilal last summer was seen by some as a fresh start—a chance for Núñez to become the focal point of a club with deep pockets and even deeper ambitions. The Saudi Pro League, having attracted a wave of international stars in recent years, offered both financial rewards and a platform to lead a new project. Yet, as quickly as hopes soared, circumstances shifted. The arrival of Benzema, a Ballon d’Or winner and one of the game’s most decorated strikers, changed the equation entirely.
For Al-Hilal, the decision to prioritize Benzema in their domestic campaign makes sense on paper. The Frenchman’s pedigree and leadership are undeniable, and his presence has already galvanized both the locker room and the fanbase. But for Núñez, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Losing out on league minutes could impact his sharpness and confidence—two qualities no striker can afford to lose, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
Rumors have already begun swirling about Núñez’s next move. Shortly after his initial transfer to the Saudi Pro League, whispers of a potential return to Europe surfaced. Now, with his domestic prospects at Al-Hilal looking increasingly bleak, those rumors have only intensified. Could a loan move or a permanent transfer be on the cards before the next transfer window closes? For now, club officials remain tight-lipped, and Núñez himself has yet to make a public statement regarding his future.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal’s ambitions remain undimmed. Sitting atop the Saudi Pro League, the club is determined to maintain its domestic dominance while making a deep run in the AFC Champions League. The management’s willingness to make tough decisions—even if it means sidelining a player of Núñez’s stature—speaks to their all-in approach. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen.
As for Núñez, the coming months will be crucial. His performances in the AFC Champions League could serve as an audition for potential suitors, both in Asia and back in Europe. And with Uruguay’s World Cup campaign looming, he’ll be desperate to find both form and rhythm. After all, the World Cup is the ultimate showcase—a chance to remind the footballing world of his talent and resilience.
Al-Hilal fans, for their part, are watching closely. Some have expressed disappointment at seeing a player of Núñez’s quality sidelined, while others trust the club’s vision and Benzema’s star power. The debate rages on across social media and in the press, with no shortage of opinions on what’s best for both the club and the player.
In a sport where fortunes can change in an instant, Núñez’s current predicament is a stark reminder of football’s unpredictable nature. One moment, you’re the centerpiece of a record transfer; the next, you’re fighting for minutes and pondering your next move. What’s clear is that Núñez’s story is far from over. With the AFC Champions League and the World Cup on the horizon, there’s still plenty of football to be played—and plenty of opportunities for redemption.
For now, all eyes remain on Al-Hilal and their Uruguayan striker. Will Núñez seize his chance on the continental stage? Or will a new chapter beckon elsewhere? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the football world will be watching every step of the way.