Benzema's Bold Comeback Sparks Darwin Núñez Loan Talks: A Cross-Border Transfer Saga
4 February 2026
Transfer twists and star power
Will Al Hilal part ways with Núñez over missed chances now that Benzema has joined?
Benzema's shock move to Al Hilal in the winter window has opened a path for Fenerbahçe to pursue Darwin Núñez.
He arrived from Al Ittihad in the final hours as the winter window closed on Monday night, much to everyone's astonishment.
Al Hilal's squad lists 14 foreigners, with four under 23, forcing coach Simone Inzaghi to trim the local ranks, as well as squad discipline.
Fenerbahçe reportedly submitted a fresh loan offer for Núñez for six months, with a final purchase option, according to Turkish journalist Serhan Hamzaoglu on X.
Núñez has struggled to finish chances for the Zaeem, the Uruguayan forward who arrived last summer, drawing fan and media criticism. Fans hope for improved finishing.
Núñez had been on Fenerbahçe's shortlist for about three weeks, along with Ademola Lookman and Artem Dovbyk, and the club monitors the market.
If completed, Núñez would become Fenerbahçe's second Roshan Saudi League signing in the winter window, after N'golo Kanté moved from Al Ittihad.
The Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri departure is part of the broader reshuffle as he shifted to Al Ittihad.
While the Saudi window is closed, there remains a chance to register players in Turkey until Thursday evening.
Caption: Benzema's move sparks a cross-border transfer chase as Núñez eyes a six-month loan.
Punchlines: If football transfers were dating apps, this window would be a marathon of swipe-rights.
Punchline 2: In football, a loan move is still a loan—just with better jokes about “we’ll buy you later”.
