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Darwin Núñez’s Al-Hilal Exclusion Triggers Summer Exit Talks With Spurs and Newcastle

Foreign‑player limits triggered by Karim Benzema’s registration have left the striker out of Al‑Hilal’s domestic squad, prompting renewed contact with Premier League clubs.

Overview

  • Al‑Hilal deregistered Núñez from Saudi Pro League and cup competitions after Benzema’s arrival under foreign‑player quota rules, leaving him available only for AFC Champions League matches.
  • Intermediaries have begun sounding out options, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United among English clubs alerted and holding talks via representatives, according to multiple reports.
  • Fabrizio Romano reports a summer return to Europe is a live possibility and expects movement in the coming months as clubs monitor the situation.
  • Núñez earns about £400,000 per week in Saudi Arabia, and reports indicate he would likely need to accept a substantial wage reduction to facilitate a move.
  • The 26‑year‑old joined Al‑Hilal from Liverpool for roughly £46m and has nine goals in 24 appearances this season, with Atlético Madrid and Juventus also credited with interest.