Sources: Leading contender named in Newcastle race to sign Darwin Nunez after ‘huge’ twist
Atletico Madrid and Juventus have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Darwin Nunez after the latest update on his future at Al-Nassr.
The 26-year-old has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal side, and was left out of their Saudi Pro League squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Atletico are likely to be the front-runners to agree a deal for Nunez.
A number of European giants are keeping a close eye on his situation and are currently considered more likely than Newcastle to make a move for the former Liverpool star.
They would also likely be more willing to match his “huge” wage demands, although he will be forced to take a pay cut wherever he goes if he is to leave Saudi Arabia.
- Read more: This is why Liverpool sold Nunez last summer.
Atletico Madrid lead race to sign Darwin Nunez
Football Insider first revealed in June 2025 that Atletico Madrid were interested in Nunez, although he ultimately opted to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Things have not worked out the way he would have hoped in the Middle East, however, and the Spanish giants have now been tipped to reignite their interest.
There are doubts about how concrete Newcastle’s interest is, potentially clearing the path for a move to Atletico, although other European sides will provide competition.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Darwin Nunes has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s squad.
“He’s not been registered for the second half of Pro League campaign due to arrival of Karim Benzema which is likely to force Nunez to move on next summer.
“It’s not an easy deal to do because he’s on a huge salary in the Saudi Pro League so he would have to take a pay cut if he is to return to Europe.
“There will be a number of clubs who will be looking at Nunez. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are looking at his situation as well.
“I’d probably say they’re probably more front runners for Nunez’s signature rather than Newcastle right now.
“As I said, though, although Nunes is keen to move on from Al Hilal it’s still not an easy deal just due to the finances.”
Could Newcastle make a move to sign Nunez?
Despite Atletico Madrid emerging as the leading candidates for his signature if he is to leave Al-Hilal, Newcastle are still being heavily linked with Nunez.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 24 February that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Nunez due to his availability.
Eddie Howe is believed to be unhappy with his current striker options after being underwhelmed by both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade’s recent performances.
However, Football Insider revealed on 27 February that Newcastle are unlikely to sign Nunez amid concerns about his likely wage demands.
The Uruguay international’s hefty pay packet and rival interest is set to force Newcastle to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new forward.
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