FC Barcelona Linked to Surprise Move for Former €85 Million Striker Darwin Núñez

Is FC Barcelona contemplating the signing of former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez?

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Núñez, currently under contract with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, is indeed a topic of discussion among Barcelona officials.

The context, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, is that Barcelona is already in talks with Al-Hilal regarding full-back João Cancelo. The Blaugrana are keen to secure a permanent move for the Portuguese player, who joined them on loan in January, from the Saudi Arabian vice-champions.

It is within these Cancelo negotiations that Núñez’s name has reportedly surfaced for discussion between Barcelona and Al-Hilal. However, the report explicitly leaves open whether the idea of a transfer for the Uruguayan international originated from Barcelona or if Al-Hilal is offering the out-of-favor Núñez.

The 26-year-old, who moved from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia for a fee of €53 million last summer, has not played for Al-Hilal since mid-February. The club exceeded its foreign player limit with the signing of Karim Benzema in the winter and subsequently removed Núñez from the squad. Although his contract extends until 2028, speculation about a summer departure has been ongoing. Furthermore, The Mirror recently reported that Núñez’s contract has been mutually terminated, potentially allowing him to move on a free transfer.

Prior to his exclusion, the Uruguayan scored nine goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances for Al-Hilal.

FC Barcelona: Is Darwin Núñez an Alternative to Julian Alvarez?

Núñez would likely only become a serious option for Barcelona if their pursuit of Atlético Madrid’s star striker Julian Alvarez falters. The Argentine is seen as the potential successor to the departing Robert Lewandowski, and Barcelona reportedly aims to conclude Alvarez’s signing soon. However, Atlético has publicly and categorically ruled out a transfer for the 26-year-old. Moreover, it remains questionable whether a financially strained Barcelona could afford Alvarez’s price tag of at least €100 million.

The Spanish champions have already secured a costly new signing for next season in Anthony Gordon. The English winger, also reportedly of significant interest to Bayern Munich, will join from Newcastle United for a fee of up to €80 million.

Will Darwin Núñez Shine at the World Cup?

Darwin Núñez was worth a substantial €85 million to Liverpool in the summer of 2022 when the English club brought him from Benfica to the Premier League. He did not always live up to the high expectations at Anfield, which ultimately led the Reds to let him go and sell him to Al-Hilal about a year ago.

Despite his challenging situation at the club, Núñez could play a significant role for Uruguay in the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Due to a lack of alternatives, the former Liverpool forward might be a key player in the center of the South American team’s attack, facing Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia in their group stage matches.

For Núñez, the World Cup could present a welcome opportunity to showcase himself to potential new clubs.

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