Atlanta United eyes Darwin Núñez as MLS star chase heats up

At 27, Darwin Núñez has become one of the most intriguing names on the global transfer market. In August 2025, he made the surprising decision to leave Liverpool and the Premier League for a new adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al‑Hilal — a club battling Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al‑Nassr for every trophy. Núñez delivered a solid first season there, scoring nine goals and adding five assists across 24 matches.

He helped Al‑Hilal win the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League title, but everything changed the following year. The arrival of 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from Al‑Ittihad pushed Núñez out of the league lineup and limited him mostly to Asian Champions League minutes — a situation that frustrated him and opened the door for a move.

Atlanta United enters the race

According to reporting from The Athletic and Tom Bogert, Atlanta United has already begun negotiations with Al‑Hilal for the Uruguayan striker. If completed, Núñez would join the wave of superstar arrivals that recently brought Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski to MLS.

Talks are still in early stages, and progress has been slow. Because Atlanta currently lacks a Designated Player slot, any deal depends on the expected departure of Latte Lath — previously the most expensive signing in club history.

With Núñez not guaranteed, Atlanta is also monitoring Breel Embolo, the Swiss international currently playing for Stade Rennes in Ligue 1.

Núñez’s recent form

Núñez’s last competitive action came with Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, where he failed to score and La Celeste exited in the group stage. Before that, his final appearance for Al‑Hilal came in February — right before Benzema’s arrival effectively sidelined him.

What’s next?

If Atlanta United can clear the DP slot and reach an agreement with Al‑Hilal, Núñez could become one of the most impactful signings in MLS — a powerful, high‑energy striker who fits perfectly into Tata Martino’s system.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.