Karim Benzema’s Move to Al-Hilal Puts Darwin Núñez’s Future at Risk
The arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal has shaken up the Saudi transfer market and now threatens the continuity of Darwin Núñez, one of the club’s biggest investments.
The transfer of Karim Benzema to Al-Hilal is not just one of the biggest headlines of the winter window in Saudi Arabia — it has also triggered a major ripple effect inside the squad. After terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad, the former Real Madrid star signed a year-and-a-half deal with the league’s powerhouse, a move that is already reshaping the team’s attacking hierarchy and placing Darwin Núñez in a delicate position.
The French striker arrives as a global icon, both for his on-field pedigree and his off-field profile. His presence forces Al-Hilal to reorganize its frontline, and that is where the Uruguayan forward becomes the most vulnerable piece. Núñez, who joined the club last summer from Liverpool in a deal worth around €53 million, had secured a regular role in the starting XI — but that status is now far from guaranteed.
Benzema Changes Al-Hilal’s Attacking Landscape
The signing of Karim Benzema was never meant to be a routine addition. A Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most accomplished strikers of his generation, he is expected to be the focal point of Al-Hilal’s project. That immediately intensifies internal competition and places Darwin Núñez under serious pressure.
So far this season, the Uruguayan has recorded seven goals and five assists in the Saudi Pro League. Solid numbers, but not overwhelming enough to secure his place when a superstar like Benzema enters the picture. Within Al-Hilal, there is a growing sense that the coaching staff will build the attack around the Frenchman, leaving Núñez fighting for minutes.
Financial considerations also play a role. Darwin Núñez was a major investment, and a potential sale would allow the club to recover part of that fee while creating room in the wage structure for new moves.
Darwin Núñez’s Future Hangs in the Balance
In Saudi Arabia, speculation about an exit is already gathering pace. Reports suggest that Darwin Núñez could continue his career with Fenerbahçe, where he would likely enjoy a leading role that now seems uncertain at Al-Hilal.
Although no transfer fee has been officially disclosed, the possibility of a move is very real and driven by both sporting and economic logic. For Núñez, a change of scenery could offer the chance to regain consistency and confidence — two elements that are crucial for a striker still in his prime.
