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 Trabzon next week.
Nunez is one of Trabzonspor’s main targets as they seek to strengthen their attack, and the club are prepared to pursue a loan agreement if a permanent transfer cannot be arranged.
According to Hasan Tuncel, a journalist who covers Trabzonspor, the Turkish side have offered Al-Hilal an annual package worth €8m for Nunez’s services. The proposed deal would see Trabzonspor take responsibility for 40% of the 27-year-old’s wages.
Nunez is reported to earn approximately €20m a year at the Saudi Pro League club, meaning Trabzonspor’s offer would represent only part of his current salary commitment.
The proposal is now with both the player and Al-Hilal, Tuncel said, although the Saudi club are seeking a higher financial return before agreeing to the move. That position has prompted Trabzonspor to accelerate negotiations as they attempt to settle the deal quickly.
Nunez is keen to leave Al-Hilal in search of a fresh opportunity and hopes a move could help him rediscover his form and revive his career.
Trabzonspor have also sought the opinion of Mohamed Salah, who has given a positive recommendation about signing the Uruguay forward. Salah recently joined the Turkish club, and his backing is understood to have strengthened Trabzonspor’s interest in completing the deal.
The club’s vice-president, Ibrahim Sahinkaya, has arranged a meeting with Al-Hilal officials during the current week. He is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to discuss the final financial details and try to persuade the club to release Nunez.
The meeting will be particularly important because Al-Hilal want to improve the amount offered before considering an agreement. Trabzonspor, meanwhile, are pushing to make progress in time for Nunez to arrive in Turkey next week.
Nunez, 27, made 24 appearances for Al-Hilal last season. He scored nine goals and provided five assists during that campaign.
The proposed move would give Trabzonspor another major attacking option after the arrival of Salah, while allowing Nunez to seek regular opportunities away from Al-Hilal. For now, however, the transfer remains dependent on the outcome of the discussions between the two clubs and the player’s decision on the offer.
