Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez is expected to rejoin Liverpool this summer, bringing an end to a largely unsuccessful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old initially left Anfield in the previous summer transfer window after three seasons with the club, following a reported €85 million transfer from Benfica in 2022.
Nunez’s time at Liverpool was marked by inconsistency, despite a reasonable goalscoring record, and he gradually lost favour under then-manager Arne Slot. He moved to Al-Hilal for a fee of around €53 million, with potential add-ons that ultimately weren’t met. The arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal in February proved to be a turning point, as the Saudi club deregistered Nunez to accommodate the French forward due to Pro League foreign player regulations.
Since then, Nunez has seen limited playing time and has been seeking an exit from Al-Hilal. Reports suggest the club are willing to facilitate his departure, potentially even agreeing to a contract termination to allow him to choose his next destination freely. He has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, but a return to Liverpool has gained traction.
A recent social media post from Liverpool commemorating the fourth anniversary of Nunez’s arrival at Anfield sparked speculation amongst fans, with many interpreting it as a hint of a potential return. Comments on the post overwhelmingly expressed support for the player and a desire to see him back in a Liverpool shirt.
Journalist Juan Pablo Romero, currently with the Uruguayan national team, claims a broad agreement is in place for Nunez to return to Liverpool, with only minor contract details remaining. Romero states the information comes directly from sources within the Uruguay team, but an official announcement will be delayed until the conclusion of Uruguay’s World Cup campaign. Nunez is currently focused on the tournament, where he is a key player in the absence of Luis Suarez. A return to Liverpool would represent a significant change in fortunes for the Uruguayan international.
