The Uruguayan striker is reportedly unhappy with his reduced role under Simone Inzaghi and is targeting a move to Fenerbahçe before the Turkish deadline.
The high-profile arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal has sent shockwaves through the locker room, and not everyone is celebrating. Just 24 hours after the Frenchman’s controversial switch from rivals Al-Ittihad, reports suggest that star striker Darwin Núñez is prepared to force an immediate exit from the Saudi club.
The “Inzaghi Dilemma”
According to journalist Raisa Simplício, Núñez is deeply dissatisfied with the veteran’s signing. Under the management of Simone Inzaghi, the Uruguayan had established himself as the focal point of the attack. However, the presence of a Ballon d’Or winner like Benzema signals a significant decrease in playing time a reality Núñez is reportedly unwilling to accept.
With his status as a “protagonist” now in jeopardy, the former Liverpool man has instructed his representatives to find a way back to Europe or a league where he remains the undisputed number nine.
Fenerbahçe Lead the Race
While the major European windows have closed, Fenerbahçe has emerged as a serious escape route. The Turkish giants are closely monitoring the unrest in Riyadh and are prepared to make a formal move in the coming days.
The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 6th, giving José Mourinho’s side (or whoever is at the helm in 2026) a golden opportunity to pull off one of the biggest coups of the winter.
The Benzema Controversy
Benzema’s move to Al-Hilal remains the talk of the Saudi Pro League. His departure from Al-Ittihad was seen as a betrayal by fans of the “Tigers,” and his integration into an Al-Hilal squad already filled with stars like Neymar and Milinković-Savić is proving to be a challenge for Inzaghi’s tactical balance.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
