Barcelona have identified Darwin Nunez as their leading alternative target should their move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez fall through, according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan club are prioritising the signing of Alvarez in the current transfer window as they look to reinforce their attack. However, Atletico have so far rejected Barcelona’s advances, forcing the La Liga side to work on a back-up option.
Nunez emerges as first-choice alternative
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Uruguay international Nunez, currently with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, is considered the most suitable option if Barcelona cannot land Alvarez.
Despite Atletico’s firm stance over Alvarez, the 24-year-old remains Barcelona’s preferred target. But the club are keeping close tabs on Nunez’s situation, viewing him as a realistic and financially accessible alternative should negotiations for Alvarez definitively break down.
Nunez, 26, is said to be open to a return to European football, while his camp is closely monitoring developments at the Camp Nou.
Al Hilal open to sale as interest grows
Al Hilal’s hierarchy are described as “open” to allowing Nunez to leave, with the player believed to have offers from Turkish clubs as well as other teams abroad.
Talks over a potential exit are understood to be progressing positively, helped by head coach Simone Inzaghi’s desire to reshape his squad with multiple new signings in the coming period.
The report adds that this flexibility from Al Hilal, combined with Nunez’s contractual situation, could allow Barcelona to secure the striker for a relatively low fee compared with other forwards at his level.
Surprise return to training amid uncertainty
Nunez surprised many observers by returning to Al Hilal training only a few days ago, following his post-World Cup break, despite months of negotiations aimed at terminating his contract by mutual consent.
He has joined the club’s pre-season camp in Austria, which began last Friday, while awaiting a final decision on his future.
The Uruguayan has not played a competitive match for Al Hilal since 16 February, after being left out of the squad list for foreign players in the Saudi league and domestic cups to make room for Karim Benzema. Since then, his appearances have been limited solely to the AFC Champions League.
“Low-cost” option for Barcelona attack
With Barcelona facing financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty around the future of Ferran Torres – who is attracting interest from Paris St-Germain – Nunez is seen as a “low-cost” market opportunity.
The possibility of signing him at a modest price compared with other European-based strikers makes him an attractive option for the Catalan club’s sporting department as they look to restructure their forward line.
Nunez and his representatives are understood to be following every move Barcelona make in the market, aware that a formal approach from the Spanish giants could arrive if the Alvarez pursuit stalls for good.
Door opens for European return
Nunez’s long-term prospects at Al Hilal remain unclear, particularly as the coaching staff is unchanged under Simone Inzaghi, the coach who decided to exclude him from the domestic squad lists last season.
That decision continues to cast doubt on the striker’s role at the club, and could ultimately pave the way for a return to Europe – potentially through Barcelona, who see the Uruguayan as a viable solution if their top target proves unattainable.
