Darwin Núñez at Flamengo? See if there is negotiation and player salary - News Room USA

The attacker Darwin Núñez26 years old, could be one of the protagonists of the next transfer window. Dissatisfied with Al-Hilal, in Saudi Arabia, the player is evaluating the possibility of leaving Saudi football and could play in South America. According to the newspaper Olé, Darwin was offered to River Plate for 2026, but the Argentine club did not advance its interest. The Millonarios’ priority continues to be Lucas Beltrán, from Valencia.

Darwin already said irreverently, last year, that he would go to Flamengo, in a joking tone, when he was still a Liverpool athlete. However, There is no evidence that the Uruguayan is negotiating with Rubro-Negro.

Flamengo is considering hiring three to four reinforcements for the beginning of 2026 and is looking at possibilities for the offensive sector, but does not intend to have high costs at this time, as it invested R$278 million in the mid-year window. However, the technician Filipe Luís has already asked for a reference player in addition to Pedro.

Rubro-Negro has negotiations underway with a goalkeeper and a defender, which should be announced by the end of the year.

When Darwin Núñez earns a salary

Despite dissatisfaction in Saudi, Darwin has been a starter and entered the field 11 times for Al-Hilal this season, adding five goals and two assists. Signed for around R$335 million in August, the player was one of the Saudi club’s biggest investments, which makes any negotiation complicated.

Another obstacle is the salary: the Uruguayan receives approximately 15 million euros per year, a value well above the reality of Brazilian teams. Transforming into real and per month, the value is equivalent to R$7.7 million monthly.

Thus, an eventual arrival in Brazil would only be possible through a loan with a cost allowance from Al-Hilal or an amicable termination combined with a reduction in the striker’s salary request. It is important to highlight that these scenarios do not yet exist.

Darwin has a contract with Al-Hilal until June 2028. Before playing in Saudi Arabia, the striker played for Liverpool, where he played 143 games, 40 goals and 26 assists. Despite the great expectations created upon his arrival in England, his performance fell short of expectations.

MORE: How much will Flamengo earn in prize money in 2025 if they are champions of the Brasileirão?

Darwin Núñez and his promise with Flamengo

A moment that marked Darwin’s relationship with Flamengo fans occurred in June 2024. In a relaxed conversation with influencer Negrete, he stated that, after Liverpool, his destiny would be “for Flamengo”. In the same video, when asked if he would agree to play alongside compatriots Arrascaeta, De La Cruz, Varela and Matías Viña at Rubro-Negro, he immediately replied: “I will”.

The statement went viral and excited Flamengo fans, who filled social media with good-humored comments such as “we are waiting for you” and “come and be Pedro’s reserve”. Darwin himself interacted with the publication at the time, further fueling expectations.

The promise, however, did not materialize, as the Uruguayan ended up opting for Al-Hilal.