Nunez Newcastle Move "Would Surprise Me" – But Howe's Stance Remains Unclear

Darwin Nunez's exit from Al Hilal appears increasingly likely after being frozen out of the Saudi Pro League squad, but any potential move to Newcastle United faces significant scepticism from transfer circles.

The Uruguayan striker, who departed Liverpool for approximately £46million last summer, has managed nine goals and five assists across 26 appearances in the Middle East. However, his stint in the Saudi Pro League looks to be winding down after manager Simone Inzaghi omitted him from the club's registration for the second half of the campaign following Karim Benzema's arrival from Al Ittihad. This restriction leaves Nunez available only for AFC Champions League competition until the transfer window opens again.

Newcastle have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 26-year-old, yet transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke believes such a pursuit would represent an unexpected turn of events. Speaking on the Football Insider podcast Transfer Insider, O'Rourke outlined his reasoning: the former Liverpool man simply doesn't align with the manager's established preferences.

"I think it would be a surprise move for me," O'Rourke explained. "I'm not sure he's an Eddie Howe type of player, I don't think the manager will be looking at him as the kind of player he wants to add to his squad."

Nunez certainly possesses explosive qualities – his pace, directness, and unpredictability are undeniable – but these attributes may not match Howe's more measured tactical approach. Should Newcastle decide to bolster their attacking options this summer, O'Rourke suggests they'll likely cast their net wider across European football rather than pursue the Al Hilal exile.

The financial complexities of any deal present additional obstacles, even with Nunez reportedly keen on departing the Saudi club. His next destination remains uncertain, with potential moves to Turkey – Galatasaray has been mentioned – or other European destinations all possibilities.

The striker has attracted interest from elsewhere, with former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere previously backing a switch to the Emirates. More recently, ex-Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has advocated for the Blues to make a move. "I would actually recommend Nunez for Chelsea. He's a very good player, a smart player – he just needs the right environment to perform," Desailly told Foot Italia. "A club like Chelsea, or the new Manchester United, would be best for him. He needs to be surrounded by established, confident players who know they're going to play every weekend and who will give him the ball on the first intention."

At 26, Nunez's next chapter will prove crucial to his career trajectory. Whether that unfolds on English soil or elsewhere remains very much up in the air.