According to Mundo Deportivo, Darwin Nunez has rejoined Al-Hilal for pre-season, but the Uruguayan striker continues to monitor FC Barcelona’s activity in the transfer market as uncertainty remains over his long-term future.

The 26-year-old returned to the Saudi club after the World Cup and a short holiday, despite previous reports suggesting his contract could be terminated by mutual agreement.

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With no transfer finalised, Nunez has resumed training while waiting to see how the market develops.

Barcelona remains a possible destination

Although Barcelona’s priority remains Julian Alvarez, the Catalans continue to evaluate alternative options should a deal with Atletico Madrid prove impossible.

Nunez believes he could become one of those alternatives, particularly if the Blaugrana fail to sign their primary target.

Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Al-Hilal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

His representatives are also following developments surrounding Ferran Torres, whose future remains uncertain amid continued interest from PSG.

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The Uruguayan could be viewed as a potentially affordable option for Barcelona, with the expectation that he could be available for a relatively modest transfer fee compared to other elite strikers on the market.

Back in pre-season With Al-Hilal

Nunez joined Al-Hilal’s preseason camp in Austria last Friday and has returned to training with the squad while awaiting clarity over his future.

However, his situation at the Saudi club remains far from ideal. Since January, he has been unable to feature in the Saudi Pro League because of the league’s foreign-player registration limits.

Nunez has not played for Al-Hilal since February. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

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As a result, his appearances have been restricted to matches in the AFC Champions League, severely limiting his playing time.

Future uncertain

Nunez’s prospects at Al-Hilal have not improved following the club’s decision to retain Simone Inzaghi as head coach.

It was under the current manager that the striker was removed from the league’s registered foreign-player list to make room for Karim Benzema, effectively ending his domestic season.

The Uruguayan has not played an official match for Al-Hilal since February 16, and with European clubs continuing to monitor his situation, a transfer remains a realistic possibility before the summer window closes.

For now, however, Nunez continues to train with Al-Hilal while waiting to see whether Barcelona’s pursuit of a new striker eventually creates an opening for him.