Trabzonspor have made an approach for Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez, shortly after completing the signing of Egypt forward Mohamed Salah in one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer transfer window.
The Turkish club have submitted an offer for the Uruguay international, according to A Spor, and are preparing to open discussions with Nunez, his representatives and Al Hilal over a possible transfer.
No further details have been disclosed about the nature of the negotiations or the Saudi club’s response. However, Trabzonspor are understood to be exploring whether a deal can be reached for the 27-year-old as they continue their efforts to strengthen their attacking options.
The move comes after Trabzonspor secured Salah, who arrived in Turkey on Wednesday afternoon. The former Liverpool forward received a major welcome at Ataturk Airport as preparations began for his presentation, which is expected to take place on Thursday after he completes his medical.
Salah’s arrival has created significant attention across world football and represents one of the most prominent transfers completed by a Turkish club. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan had previously warned the club’s domestic rivals that he could sign any star he wanted after negotiations for Salah were successfully concluded.
The club are now pursuing another high-profile forward in Nunez, whose future at Al Hilal has become uncertain since Karim Benzema joined the Saudi side during the previous winter transfer window.
Nunez made 24 appearances for Al Hilal last season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. He moved to the club from Liverpool in the summer of last year, but Benzema’s arrival disrupted the Uruguayan’s plans.
The competition for places subsequently led Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi to marginalise Nunez, prompting the player to ask to leave the club.
Trabzonspor are not the only Turkish side interested in signing him. Besiktas are also seeking a deal for Nunez, potentially on loan, after their earlier attempt to bring Salah to the club failed.
Trabzonspor’s pursuit of both forwards underlines the scale of their ambitions in the current transfer market. The club have already generated major interest by bringing Salah to Turkey and are now attempting to follow that agreement with another move for an internationally recognised striker.
Any progress on Nunez’s situation will depend on talks involving the player, his representatives and Al Hilal. At present, Trabzonspor’s offer is the latest step in their attempt to determine whether the former Liverpool forward can join Salah in their new-look attack.
