Darwin Núñez Joins Al-Diriyah, Rejects Trabzonspor Move

Darwin Núñez has chosen his next destination – and it is not Turkey.

The Uruguayan striker is set to join Al-Diriyah from Al-Hilal in the current summer window, with a deal in place that shuts down Trabzonspor’s late push to bring him to the Turkish Super Lig.

For days, Trabzonspor had chased the move, selling the dream of a reunion with Mohamed Salah. The prospect was a tempting one: two former Liverpool teammates, back on the same side after sharing several seasons and a dressing room at Anfield. Hopes in Trabzon grew quickly.

Then came the reality check.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that Al-Hilal and Al-Diriyah have reached a verbal agreement for Núñez to move to the Saudi club. The structure is clear: a loan until June 2027, with Al-Diriyah covering his salary for the entire period. Crucially, there is no option or obligation to buy included in the current arrangement.

So Núñez is not leaving Saudi Arabia, only changing colours within the league.

The agreement between the clubs is in place, but the move is not over the line yet. Contracts still need to be signed, and plans are already being made for the striker to undergo his medical before the transfer becomes official.

For Trabzonspor, it is a heavy blow. Their supporters had already started to picture Núñez and Salah leading the line together, a marquee partnership in the Turkish league. Instead, the Uruguayan will stay in Saudi football, beginning a new chapter in an Al-Diriyah shirt and putting that reunion on hold.