Trabzonspor are intensifying their efforts to sign Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez, with the Turkish club hoping to complete a deal and bring the Uruguay international to Turkey as early as next week.
The club are understood to be considering a loan arrangement for the 27-year-old forward as they look to strengthen their attack. Their interest comes after the reported addition of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, whose view has also become part of Trabzonspor’s discussions over Nunez.
According to Trabzonspor journalist Hassan Tuncel, speaking on HT Spor, the Turkish club have submitted a proposal worth €8m per year to Al-Hilal for Nunez. The offer would see Trabzonspor cover 40% of the player’s wages.
Nunez is currently earning approximately €20m a year at the Saudi Pro League club. The striker is reportedly keen to leave Al-Hilal in search of a fresh opportunity and a chance to regain his previous level of form and continue rebuilding his career.
The proposal is now with both the player and Al-Hilal, Tuncel said. However, the Saudi club are seeking a higher financial return before agreeing to release their forward, prompting Trabzonspor to accelerate their attempts to reach an agreement.
Trabzonspor are targeting Nunez’s arrival in Trabzon next week, although the financial terms remain the main obstacle. The Turkish side are therefore continuing negotiations in an effort to settle the final details quickly.
Salah’s role in the proposed move
Trabzonspor’s management have also sought Mohamed Salah’s opinion on the possible transfer. The Egypt forward gave a positive recommendation regarding the signing of Nunez, according to Tuncel.
Salah’s backing is viewed as an encouraging factor for the Turkish club as they try to persuade Nunez and Al-Hilal to accept the proposed move. The report does not indicate that Salah is involved in negotiating the agreement, but his recommendation has been received positively by Trabzonspor’s officials.
Tuncel also revealed that Trabzonspor vice-president Ibrahim Sahinkaya has arranged a meeting with Al-Hilal officials during the current week. Sahinkaya is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to discuss the remaining financial details and attempt to convince the club to part with the Uruguay international.
The meeting is intended to address Al-Hilal’s demand for improved compensation, with Trabzonspor currently proposing to take responsibility for less than half of Nunez’s salary. The outcome of those discussions is expected to determine whether the Turkish club can move forward with the deal.
Nunez, 27, made 24 appearances for Al-Hilal last season. He scored nine goals and provided five assists during that campaign, and is now being targeted by Trabzonspor as they seek greater attacking strength.
