Three renowned Saudi League football players can return to European football during the upcoming transitional deadlines, as several major regions’ clubs are carefully monitoring their situation.
It’s Joanna Felix, Ivan Toney and Darwin Nunez, who, for various reasons, can leave Saudi Arabia. Portuguese has expressed its desire to return to European football, the English attacker has been linked to several Premier League teams, while Uruguay is seeking to find continuity after the club’s change in 2026.
Joao Felix, 26, is the name that has more clearly demonstrated the desire to return to Europe.
In September, the Portuguese assailant had declared that he wanted to play the Champions League again, though he had not set a deadline for leaving Al-Nasr.
His appearances in the 2026/27 season have been quite positive. Felix has recorded seven goals and 11 assistings in 14 matches, drawing back the attention of European clubs.
Finally, even the possibility of a return to Barcelona has been mentioned, where he played as a loaner in the 2023/24 season.
However, his departure will not be easy. The contract with Al-Nasr expires in June 2027, but the Saudi club has an option to unilaterally prolong it.
This could complicate his return to Europe, as all will depend on the club’s decision and the footballer’s own desire.
Another name that can be returned to European football is Ivan Toney. The 30-year-old English striker, who is currently part of Al-Ahli, has been linked to Manchester United and Newcastle United, two teams considering opportunities to reinforce the offensive department in the January transitional term.
According to English media reports, Newcastle is one of the teams that can consider his transfer.
Toney’s good relationship with coach Matthias Jaissle, with whom he worked at Al-Ahli, is mentioned. The attacker has also had interest in other English clubs, but so far there is nothing concrete.
His experience at Premier League, where he had left a trail with Brentford’s fan, makes it an interesting alternative to the English teams. However, realising such a transfer will depend on Al-Ahli’s financial requirements and agreement between the parties.
Unlike the first two, Darwin Nunez’s situation is a little more complicated. The 27-year-old Uruguayian striker, after the Al-Hilal period, has been loaned to Al-Dariyah by 2027, with no buying option.
This change came after an unhappy season in Al-Hilal, where Nunez had difficulty securing continuity. In 24 presentations with this team, he achieved nine goals and donated five assisting goals, but in some part of the season he remained outside the championship players’ list, due to restrictions on foreign football players and the arrival of Karim Benzema.
Its return to Europe does not seem as close to Felix or Toney. Initially, Uruguay must find the shape and continuity of Al-Diriyah, while later it can consider the possibilities for a return to one of the major European leagues. Benfida’s previous experience and Liverpool remains an argument in his favor.
The transitional deadline of January 2027 is expected to be an interesting period for the future of these three attackers.
Joao Felix and Ivan Toney have the most concrete opportunity to return to European football, while for Darwin Nunez everything will depend on his ongoing presentations and plans that Al-Hilal has for his future. /Telegraphy/
