Darwin Nunez to return to Liverpool after Saudi nightmare

Updated: 15 Jun 2026 17:41 BST | 5 min read

Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez is poised to rejoin Liverpool, and the Reds may have already teased his shock return.

Article continues under the video

The 26-year-old left Anfield last summer after three hit-and-miss years, following a big-money transfer from Benfica in 2022. Nunez had arrived at Liverpool for an €85 million package as their next great long-term striker, but things didn't pan out that way.

Although his goalscoring return was never terrible, the Uruguay international was too erratic a finisher to be deemed good enough to consistently lead the line for a club like Liverpool. His importance gradually diminished under Arne Slot, leading to his departure.

Current ETV

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Al-Hilal

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Al-Hilal

ETV Range

€24M - €29.3M

Al-Hilal acquired him for a fee in the region of €53m, reportedly with some bonuses that could have taken that figure even higher. However, those add-ons were never triggered as Nunez quickly found himself on the outside looking in.

After an impressive first six months in Riyadh, Al-Hilal made the decision to effectively replace Nunez in the winter. They exploited Karim Benzema's contract dispute with Al-Ittihad to sign the legendary French striker.

Nunez to return to Liverpool?

Benzema's arrival was confirmed in early February. Due to Saudi regulations, Al-Hilal had to deregister someone from their Pro League squad to free up a foreigner spot - and they chose Nunez.

The striker was shocked, but it was too late for him to complete a transfer to a top league. As a result, he has barely played since February and is naturally looking to leave Al-Hilal this summer.

Reports have suggested that there is already an agreement in place with the club that will permit him to leave. Some have even suggested that Al-Hilal have agreed to terminate his contract to allow him to freely choose his next club.

Rumours have persistently swirled in recent weeks. Nunez has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea. More recently, it was suggested in some circles that he could make a spectacular return to Liverpool.

He was a fan favourite at Anfield despite his shortcomings. His commitment and personality made him popular among the fans and his teammates, and this was evident when Liverpool made a social media post about him at the weekend.

They shared a picture of the 26-year-old with the caption "Darwin Nunez joined the Reds four years ago today," which received over 50,000 likes and almost 2,000 comments, many of which alluded to the return speculation.

"Thought this was a welcome back Darwin post," one fan wrote, while another said: "Admin knows what they’re doing." A third commented: "You had me all excited! I thought you were announcing him again! Bring him back!"

There is clearly an appetite among Liverpool supporters to see Nunez back at the club, especially in light of what happened over the past 12 months. Diogo Jota's tragic passing and Nunez's departure saw Liverpool spend big on Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.

However, some believe that Liverpool still need more forward options, particularly given Isak's fitness problems and Ekitike's current long-term injury. And now it seems that a Nunez return is not as much of a pipedream as it seems.

Video of Juan Pablo Romero reporting Darwin’s return to Liverpool. (w/ subtitles)
by
u/Swarley_Brown in
LiverpoolFC

In fact, journalist Juan Pablo Romero, who is currently with the Uruguayan national team for their World Cup campaign, claims that Nunez will return to Liverpool this summer.

There is already a broad agreement in place, he asserts, with only a few final contract details missing. He insists that this information is coming directly from the Uruguay team, to which he has access.

However, there will be no official announcement until the Celeste's World Cup campaign is over, Romero states. With no Luis Suarez in the squad, Nunez carries the weight of his country on his shoulders. He is fully focused on the tournament and on leaving a good impression.

If true and he really ends up returning to Liverpool, it would be a remarkable turn of events for Nunez.

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