In a dramatic turn of events during the closing hours of the winter transfer window in the Saudi Pro League, the addition of French star Karim Benzema has significantly altered the landscape at Al Hilal, creating unexpected casualties on the roster. Following a standout debut where Benzema scored a hat-trick, it was clear he would play a pivotal role in the team's strategy, pressuring the management to make tough decisions regarding foreign player quotas.

Benzema's immediate impact on the field showcased his value, complicating the club's situation with the maximum allowance of eight foreign players. To accommodate Benzema while adhering to league regulations, the club had to make the difficult choice of dropping Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez from the registration list, along with newly acquired Pablo Mari from Fiorentina, whose transfer hopes were dashed. This decision reflects not only the competitive nature of the league but also the evolving dynamics of player management within Al Hilal.

Darwin Nunez now finds himself in a precarious position, especially with the looming 2026 World Cup. After Al Hilal's significant financial investment exceeding 50 million euros to bring him into the squad, his exclusion raises questions about his future and whether he will have opportunities to prove himself on such a significant platform. As the football world watches, the implications of these roster changes extend beyond the club, impacting national team considerations as players strive for spots in the upcoming global tournament.