According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona is seriously considering the signing of Darwin Núñez from Al-Hilal during the current summer transfer window. The Uruguayan striker’s name emerged during high-level discussions between the Catalan giants and the Saudi club, which were initially centered around making João Cancelo’s loan move to Barcelona permanent. As the two clubs negotiate the future of the Portuguese fullback, the possibility of Núñez moving to the Camp Nou has become a focal point of the conversation.
The 26-year-old forward is currently facing a complicated situation in Riyadh. Having been excluded from Al-Hilal’s domestic squad registration, it is widely expected that Núñez will depart the club this summer, either via a direct sale or through a mutual contract termination. For Barcelona, this presents a unique opportunity. The Blaugrana are in the market for a dynamic forward who can act as a secondary attacking option alongside Julián Álvarez or any other high-profile striker the club manages to secure this summer.
However, Barcelona’s notorious financial constraints remain the primary obstacle. Even if Núñez arrives as a free agent following a contract termination with Al-Hilal, the club must navigate strict La Liga wage cap regulations. Integrating Núñez’s salary into the existing wage bill will require significant financial maneuvering, especially if the club proceeds with its ambitious plan to sign Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid—a deal expected to cost at least €100 million.
A return to Spain would be a familiar move for Núñez, who previously showcased his explosive talent at Almería before his high-profile but inconsistent stint at Liverpool. Now, after a period in the Saudi Pro League, the Uruguayan international is reportedly eager to return to European football, even if it means accepting a secondary role within Barcelona’s tactical setup.
