It's claimed that Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is set to leave Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal for Turkish side Fenerbahce as he seeks a return to Europe before the World Cup
Bruna Reis
14:11, 05 Feb 2026
Darwin Nunez could be heading back to Europe
Darwin Nunez could be heading back to Europe(Image: Getty Images)
It's believed that Al-Hilal has agreed a deal to sell former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Nunez only left Anfield last summer to join the Saudi Pro League side. According to reports in Saudi Arabia, Fenerbahce has had a bid accepted for the Uruguayan following Karim Benzema's arrival at Al-Hilal from rivals Al-Ittihad.
Turkey's transfer window remains open until Friday, giving the club ample time to finalize the move. Fenerbahce has been searching for a new striker, with Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri poised to complete his move to Al-Ittihad this week. Nunez, meanwhile, is reportedly eager for a return to European soccer as he looks for regular playing time ahead of this summer's World Cup.
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Even before the winter window opened, speculation had already surfaced regarding a potential departure.
Fenerbahce sits second in the Turkish Super Lig, three points behind Galatasaray, and has already secured its European playoff spot.
The Turkish side is due to face Nottingham Forest over two legs for a place in the knockout phase.
Nunez left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia last August
Nunez left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia last August(Image: Getty Images)
That means Nunez could be back playing in England again later this month.
The striker registered 40 goals across 143 appearances for Liverpool and played a part in the club's Premier League championship success last season.
Jamie Carragher previously dubbed him "Captain Chaos," alluding to his unpredictable impact and his failure to secure a consistent place in the starting XI throughout his three years at Anfield.
His standing diminished towards the end of Jurgen Klopp's tenure, and while a summer 2025 departure seemed increasingly likely, Arne Slot did little to mask his concerns regarding Nunez's deficiencies.
Speaking in February, Slot observed: "Players miss chances - that I can accept.
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"What was a bit harder for me to accept was his behavior after that chance, and by behavior, I mean it got too much in his head, where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his butt off, and he makes sure he helps the team."
Nunez has previously played for Penarol in Uruguay and Almeria in Spain, but he's best known for his time with Benfica in Portugal.
He scored 34 goals for Benfica during the 2021-22 season to capture Liverpool's attention.