Nunez Circles Return to Liverpool as Mendes Orchestrates Al-Hilal Exit

Darwin Nunez is exploring the possibility of a shock return to Liverpool, having signalled his willingness to leave Al-Hilal just a year after the Reds cashed in on the Uruguayan striker.

The 26-year-old, who netted 40 goals in 143 appearances during his three-year stint at Anfield, departed for Saudi Arabia in summer 2025 for £46.3million following a frustrating spell on Merseyside. Liverpool had originally splashed out £64million to recruit him, but he ultimately failed to justify the investment.

Nunez's playing time dried up considerably under Arne Slot's watch last season, managing just eight Premier League starts as Liverpool claimed the title. His struggles in front of goal and profligacy in key moments had worn thin with supporters, and the club decided to cut their losses.

Now, however, the striker is itching for an escape route from the Saudi Pro League. Having been sidelined since February following Al-Hilal's January recruitment of Karim Benzema, Nunez is ready to activate his exit strategy.

According to reports, the forward is "awaiting news" from both Liverpool and Barcelona regarding potential moves. Crucially, super-agent Jorge Mendes—who also represents Joao Cancelo—is now orchestrating discussions with all parties involved. The situation has progressed to the point where Nunez is aware his name has featured in conversations between Mendes and Al-Hilal, with the possibility of a contract termination now on the table.

Barcelona have identified Nunez as a more economical option compared to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, whilst Newcastle and Chelsea have also registered interest. Should Liverpool's new boss Andoni Iraola greenlight a reunion, the Reds could theoretically move quickly.

Yet a genuine Liverpool return appears a distant prospect. Whilst Hugo Ekitike's ruptured Achilles in April has left the club light on attacking reinforcements, resurrecting Nunez feels like the wrong solution. Fenway Sports Group were clearly desperate to offload the striker just twelve months ago—it's hard to envisage them scrambling to undo that decision now. Supporters, too, would likely greet such a move with considerable scepticism.