Image Credits: Imago Images
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly close to returning to Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old joined Al-Hilal last August for £46.2m, potentially rising to £56.6m, but is said to be unsettled in Saudi Arabia.
Nunez has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances for the league leaders. His early exit could affect Liverpool, who are owed £10.4m in add-ons. AC Milan were among the European clubs reportedly interested in signing him last summer.
The 26-year-old joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022, having impressed against the Reds in the Champions League earlier that year. He marked his competitive debut by scoring in the FA Community Shield win over Manchester City.
In his first season, Nunez scored 15 goals in 42 appearances and won the club’s Standard Chartered Player of the Month twice. After taking the iconic No.9 shirt, he improved his tally to 18 goals the following season.
The 2024-25 campaign was his final full season at Anfield, ending with Premier League glory under Arne Slot. A highlight came with his stoppage-time brace at Brentford, securing vital points in a historic season. Nunez’s Liverpool career concluded ahead of the 2025-26 season when he completed a permanent move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal have reportedly agreed to sell Nunez to Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest Fenerbahce’s offer for the Uruguayan has been accepted, following Karim Benzema’s arrival from rivals Al-Ittihad.
The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 6, giving the club time to complete the deal. Fenerbahce are searching for a new striker after Morocco international Youssef En‑Nesyri is set to join Al‑Ittihad this week.
Fenerbahce currently sit second in the Turkish Super Lig, three points behind Galatasaray, and have already secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League play-offs, where they will face Nottingham Forest over two legs. If a deal for Darwin Nunez goes through, he could be available for the play-off matches later this month.
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