(DDM) – Former Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez is reportedly seeking an immediate departure from Al-Hilal, only four months after his highly publicised arrival in the Saudi Pro League.
DDM gathered that the Uruguayan striker is already attracting unexpected interest from South America, with Argentine giants River Plate emerging as a surprising contender for his signature.
The development has stunned analysts and fans who believed Núñez’s high-value move to the Middle East signalled a long-term project for both player and club.
Reports from Argentina indicate that River Plate are prepared to invest aggressively as they attempt to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The club’s projected budget includes a substantial 20 million dollars earmarked specifically for new signings, showing an unusually bold approach for the coming season.
River Plate’s urgency stems from a turbulent spell marked by elimination from the Argentine Championship, placing the club under enormous pressure to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.
Their fate now depends on rivals Boca Juniors winning the Clausura tournament, a scenario that has created significant internal unrest at the Monumental.
This tense situation has forced River Plate’s board to accelerate their restructuring plans, including the pursuit of high-profile reinforcements capable of lifting the club out of its sporting crisis.
Among the targets listed in their recruitment discussions, Darwin Núñez stands out as one of the most intriguing possibilities.
According to reports, the striker was offered to River Plate because of his desire to leave Al-Hilal, although negotiations have not yet progressed.
If a January move were to materialise, it would represent one of the shortest and most dramatic transfer stints in recent football history.
Núñez originally joined Al-Hilal in August 2025 after falling down Liverpool’s pecking order under manager Arne Slot, who preferred a more structured and possession-focused approach in attack.
His transfer to Saudi Arabia cost Al-Hilal an initial £46.3 million, positioning him as one of the league’s marquee arrivals.
On the field, his performances have been solid but not spectacular, with five goals and two assists across 11 appearances in all competitions.
Despite these contributions, Núñez has struggled with recurring knee problems that have affected his rhythm and consistency.
Off the pitch, reports suggest the striker has not adjusted smoothly to life in Riyadh, experiencing cultural challenges and periods of discomfort.
His departure from Liverpool earlier in the year was emotional, as he left with a Premier League winner’s medal but a lingering sense of untapped potential after scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances.
Barely half a season later, the Uruguayan star now appears to be contemplating yet another major career shift.
Whether Núñez’s next chapter unfolds in Europe or in the intimidating atmosphere of River Plate’s Monumental Stadium remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that the striker’s unpredictable story continues to evolve, and the latest transfer saga surrounding him is only just beginning.