Overview
- Reports published July 23 say Major League Soccer side Atlanta United have opened preliminary talks to sign Núñez, though outlets stress the discussions are in early stages and not advanced.
- Núñez has not featured in Al‑Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad since February after a failed transfer to Fenerbahçe and the club signed Karim Benzema, who occupied a foreign-player registration spot.
- The player and Al‑Hilal have discussed mutual contract termination, but Núñez remains under a deal reported to run beyond this season, so the club is seeking compensation or a loan rather than simply voiding the contract.
- Saudi foreign-player registration limits have directly shaped the situation: clubs can register a fixed number of non-Saudi players, which forced Al‑Hilal to drop Núñez from their league roster and left him limited to AFC Champions League appearances.
- If a move proceeds it could change Núñez's career trajectory and Al‑Hilal's striker hierarchy; factors to watch are whether Atlanta can free a designated-player spot, whether Barcelona pursues him as a cheaper option, and whether the parties agree a loan, fee or contract buyout.