Darwin Núñez is closing in on a move to Trabzonspor after the Turkish club reached an agreement in principle with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, according to Turkish-Football. The proposed transfer would bring the Uruguayan striker to the Süper Lig on a loan arrangement, featuring an initial €8 million offer designed to bolster head coach Fatih Tekke’s squad.
The Reunion Factor and Deal Structure
According to reports from Turkish-Football, the prospect of playing alongside former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah served as a pivotal factor in convincing the 27-year-old forward to accept the proposal from the Black Sea Storm. Trabzonspor Vice President İbrahim Şahinkaya is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to conduct final talks with Al-Hilal executives, working to finalize the financial breakdown of the loan deal.
Should club officials finalize terms during this week’s meetings in Saudi Arabia, Núñez is expected to travel directly to Türkiye to complete his medical examinations and sign his contract papers. The potential acquisition follows the landmark arrival of Salah, as the Turkish outfit aggressively targets marquee signings to reshape their domestic campaign.
Career Context and Performance Numbers
Núñez moved to Al-Hilal in August 2025 for a reported €53 million transfer fee following his high-profile spell with Benfica and Liverpool, as detailed by Turkish-Football. During his stint in the Saudi Pro League, the international striker featured in 24 official matches across all competitions, netting 9 goals and providing 5 assists.
Across his professional career, Núñez has logged 306 appearances, registering 117 goals and 51 assists. His addition aims to provide an immediate offensive spark for Trabzonspor as they navigate the rigorous Süper Lig schedule and pursue their ambitions under Fatih Tekke.
Next Steps in Negotiations
Vice President İbrahim Şahinkaya’s upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia will determine whether the loan structure and financial terms satisfy Al-Hilal’s demands.
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