Nunez Poised for Liverpool Return as Confirmation Looms Post-World Cup

Darwin Nunez looks to be heading back to Anfield this summer, according to reports filtering through from South America. The striker, who departed Liverpool for Al-Hilal ahead of the 2025/26 season, appears to have had his Saudi contract terminated by mutual agreement and is now eyeing a European return.

Nunez's original move to Merseyside came as one of Jurgen Klopp's final acts in the dugout. The German boss had pushed hard for the Uruguayan's arrival from Benfica, reportedly overriding data-driven concerns in the process. Liverpool shelled out approximately £64m to secure him after an impressive 34 goals in 41 games for the Portuguese club during the 2021/22 campaign.

His time at Anfield proved decidedly mixed. While the 26-year-old delivered moments of genuine quality, inconsistency plagued his spell. Across all competitions, he managed 40 goals from 143 appearances—respectable on the surface, but ultimately failing to justify the investment or expectations that came with his hefty price tag.

The Reds eventually cut their losses, selling Nunez to Al-Hilal for roughly £46m last summer. However, his stint in the Middle East has unravelled. Nine goals in 24 games suggests reasonable form on paper, yet his standing has deteriorated markedly since Karim Benzema's arrival saw him tumble down the pecking order.

According to reports from Uruguayan journalist Juan Pablo Romero, relayed via Martin Charquero on social media, Nunez's return to Liverpool is already settled in principle. The twist? Formal confirmation won't arrive imminently. Charquero stated: "ATTENTION. Darwin Núñez returns to Liverpool. The confirmation will not be given in these days since the player asked to be focused with the Uruguayan National Team."

The timing reflects Nunez's wish to concentrate fully on his international duties, with the announcement expected once World Cup commitments have concluded.

On Merseyside, opinion remains split. Many supporters view the prospect with scepticism, given his patchy record. Yet from a pragmatic standpoint, Nunez could offer useful depth and competition for Alexander Isak while Hugo Ekitike works his way back from a serious Achilles injury.

Away from Anfield, Chelsea have been mooted as an alternative destination. Marcel Desailly, the Blues legend, has articulated the appeal of such a move. "There's not many in the market from the French team," Desailly explained. "Obviously, we have to put aside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Desire Doue is not really a striker or that point of reference. They need a difference maker, like a Pippo Inzaghi or a Hernan Crespo."

Desailly believes Bradley Barcola, despite his talent, remains too raw for Stamford Bridge. Nunez, by contrast, fits the bill. "A player who would could suit the profile is former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez," he said. "If you give him the confidence and belief, he will not feel shy because the people in the system are a higher grade than him. That is what happened to him at Liverpool. There were too many players higher grade than him, so he couldn't express himself. At Chelsea, I'm sure he would express himself and perform."

Whether Nunez ends up back at Liverpool or pursuing fresh pastures in West London remains to be seen. What's clear is that a European escape from Saudi Arabia appears imminent.