Darwin Nunez Chooses Al-Diriyah Over Trabzonspor

Darwin Nunez has made his choice – 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 and the romantic idea of a reunion with Mohamed Salah.

Saudi stay over Turkish reunion

Trabzonspor had moved hard in recent days, sensing an opening and selling a powerful vision: Nunez and Salah back in the same colours, years after their shared spell at Liverpool. For a fanbase that had already started to dream, it felt like the start of something.

That dream has been cut short.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that Al-Hilal and Al-Diriyah have reached a verbal agreement for Nunez to move to the Saudi side. The framework 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 in the current agreement. This is a long-term loan, not a permanent divorce from Al-Hilal.

Details still to be signed off

The two clubs have an agreement in place, but the move is not over the line yet. Contracts must still be signed, and arrangements are being finalised for Nunez to undergo a medical before the transfer becomes official.

Barring a late twist, though, his path is set. The flirtation with Trabzonspor is over; the Saudi Pro League remains his stage.

Blow for Trabzonspor, boost for Al-Diriyah

For Trabzonspor, this is a heavy hit. The club had been pushing to bring in a high-profile forward and pair him with Salah, a combination that would have lit up the Turkish league and filled stands on its own.

Instead, Nunez will continue his journey in Saudi Arabia, this time in an Al-Diriyah shirt, extending a chapter of his career that shows no sign of shifting back toward Europe just yet.

The question now is simple: with Nunez off the table, where do Trabzonspor turn next in their search for star power up front?