Darwin Nunez dealt huge setback as Karim Benzema arrival creates Saudi nightmare

Darwin Nunez only joined Al Hilal last summer but his future with the Saudi Pro League club is now in doubt following the recent arrival of Karim Benzema

Darwin Nunez has been deregistered from Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad list(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Darwin Nunez has been removed from Al Hilal's squad list for the Saudi Pro League following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are allowed 10 foreign players in their 25-man squads, and former Liverpool striker Nunez has been removed to make room for Benzema, who made the switch from Al Ittihad earlier this month.

Nunez's removal means that he can only play in a maximum of five more Saudi Pro League games between now and the end of the season, although he is still eligible to play in the Asian Champions League.

The news is obviously a huge blow to Nunez, who will hope that the decision does not affect his standing as Uruguay's main striker heading into this summer's World Cup.

Nunez only moved to Al Hilal last summer, but the club's decision to deregister him for domestic games suggests that his stay in Saudi Arabia could be a short one.

Nunez has made 16 league appearances for Al Hilal this term, scoring six goals and registering four assists.

He was linked with a move to Turkey during the January transfer window, and a return to Europe will no doubt be on the cards during the summer transfer window.

Nunez spent three seasons at Liverpool after joining the Reds from Benfica in 2022, but he ultimately failed to deliver on the promise that tempted the Reds to commit £85 million ($114 million) to signing him.

Karim Benzema joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad recently(Image: Getty Images)

The 26-year-old tallied double figures in each of his first two seasons with Liverpool, but the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024 spelled bad news for Nunez, who was primarily used as a substitute by Arne Slot.

Nunez appeared 47 times for Liverpool in all competitions last term, but only 17 of those came as a starter, and he managed just seven goals.

Upon confirmation of his departure from Liverpool, Nunez shared a farewell message on social media, writing: “Thank you, Liverpool.

“Three years on, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.

“I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.

“Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I’ll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates - thank you and all the very best for the future."