World Cup
Bielsa says Darwin Nunez physically deteriorated
Darwin Nunez, the 27‑year‑old Uruguayan striker who departed Liverpool for Al‑Hilal in a £46 million transfer last summer, is now described by Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa as physically deteriorated. The lack of regular football has raised doubts about his fitness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Nunez left Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for Al‑Hilal, with the transfer fee reported at £46 million. The move took the striker to Saudi Arabia’s top club.
In February, Al‑Hilal de‑registered Nunez from its domestic squad, opting for Karim Benzema instead. Consequently, Nunez has missed consistent first‑team action throughout most of 2026.
Bielsa gave Nunez a start in Uruguay’s opening World Cup draw against Saudi Arabia, but the striker was withdrawn at half‑time after an ineffective first half. He did not start the second match, a draw with Cabo Verde, and entered only in the closing stages.
Directvsports reported that Bielsa now views Nunez as “physically deteriorated”. The report notes the Argentine coach first identified the issue in March during international fixtures against England and Algeria.
The fitness concerns have led to speculation that Nunez could be omitted from Uruguay’s World Cup squad. Bielsa is expected to drop him from the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Cabo Verde, according to the report.
Al‑Hilal has agreed to release Nunez this summer without a transfer fee, terminating his £400 k per week contract. Liverpool were said to be evaluating a potential signing of the former No 9, attracted by his work rate and versatility.
Liverpool’s decision‑makers are receiving warnings that Nunez is not the player he once was after nearly six months without regular match rhythm. The club considers the risk of signing him too great for the current off‑season.