Darwin Nunez Stays in Saudi Arabia: Al-Diriyah Loan Agreement

Darwin Nunez has made his call. The Uruguayan striker is staying in Saudi Arabia – but changing colours.

Al-Diriyah have reached a verbal agreement with Al-Hilal to take Nunez on loan, shutting the door on a late push from Trabzonspor and ending talk of a move to Turkey.

Saudi switch over Turkish reunion

Trabzonspor had moved hard in recent days. The prospect was a romantic one: Nunez linking up again with former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, the pair reunited after their years together in a Reds shirt. Supporters in Trabzon had already started to dream.

That dream has been cut short.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that Al-Hilal and Al-Diriyah have struck a verbal deal for the forward. Nunez will join Al-Diriyah on loan until June 2027, with his salary fully covered for the duration of the agreement.

Crucially, there is no option or obligation to buy in the current deal. This is a straight loan, nothing more on paper.

Details still to be finalised

Both clubs have an understanding in place, but the move is not over the line yet. Contracts must still be signed, and arrangements are being put in place for Nunez to complete his medical before the transfer becomes official.

For Trabzonspor, it is a heavy blow. The Turkish side had hoped to build their attack around the idea of Nunez and Salah together again. Instead, the Uruguayan has chosen to extend his chapter in the Saudi league, this time in an Al-Diriyah shirt.

The reunion will have to wait. Nunez’s next steps are set, and they lead deeper into Saudi football.