Newcastle United continue to be linked with a potential summer move for former Premier League striker and Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez as his situation in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain.
The 26-year-old has reportedly been left out of Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema, increasing speculation about a return to Europe.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have now joined Newcastle in monitoring Nunez’s availability, with
the Magpies losing ground in the race to bring the striker back to the Premier League.
“Darwin Nunes has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s squad,” O’Rourke said. “He’s not been registered for the second half of Pro League campaign due to arrival of Karim Benzema which is likely to force Nunez to move on next summer.”
O’Rourke added that finances will play a decisive role, as Nuñez’s wage demands might price him out of some clubs, including Newcastle.
“It’s not an easy deal to do because he’s on a huge salary in the Saudi Pro League so he would have to take a pay cut if he is to return to Europe,” O’Rourke said. “There will be a number of clubs who will be looking at Nunez. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are looking at his situation as well.
“I’d probably say (Atletico) are probably more front-runners for Nunez’s signature rather than Newcastle right now. As I said, though, although Nunes is keen to move on from Al Hilal, it’s still not an easy deal just due to the finances.”
While Newcastle have been credited with some interest, and that’s very believable as they clearly need striker reinforcements, the outlet suggests that concerns over salary demands may limit their ability to compete with European heavyweights, and that might also be very true.
At this stage, O’Rourke’s report indicates that Atletico and Juventus hold the advantage in what is expected to be a complex negotiation this summer, although no formal offers have arrived at Al Hilal’s table as of now.
