Al Hilal send Darwin Nunez on Saudi Pro League loan as Karim Benzema shuts down transfer rumors

Karim Benzema has shut down rumors of a potential transfer. At the same time, Al Hilal have decided to move on from Darwin Nunez, sending him on a Saudi Pro League loan.

In recent days, reports emerged that Benzema was seeking a return to European soccer. However, the French striker dismissed those rumors, creating a ripple effect across Al Hilal’s squad structure.

The Saudi club signed Nunez in August 2025. Just one year later, they have opted to send him on loan to newly promoted Al Diriyah for the 2026–27 season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Darwin Nunez struggles to meet expectations

In 2022, Liverpool made a high-profile move in the transfer market by signing Nunez from Benfica for nearly $100 million, expecting to secure an elite forward to anchor their attack.

Three years later, the Premier League club sold him to Al Hilal for $60 million. The Saudi Pro League side sought a top-tier, young star to bolster their frontline, but the move did not pay off as anticipated.

In 24 appearances, Nunez scored just nine goals—a return well below expectations. His inconsistent output prompted Al Hilal to sign Karim Benzema six months after Nunez’s arrival.

With the Uruguayan striker now loaned to Al Diriyah, the message is clear: Al Hilal prefer to rely on an established veteran rather than continue waiting for Nunez to fulfill his potential.