Liverpool supporters have found themselves missing the all-action style of Darwin Nunez this season after witnessing a distinct lack of fight from their team.
The Uruguayan certainly had his flaws – and last summer was the right time for him to move on – but one thing he could rarely be accused of was not giving it his all.
As a result, plenty were sad to see him leave Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and hoped to see his career get back on track in the Middle East.
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Sadly, the opposite appears to have happened. After scoring seven goals in 23 games for his new team, Nunez was removed from the Al Hilal squad on Thursday.
Things have clearly turned sour for the 26-year-old, with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema’s January arrival making him surplus to requirements. As journalist Fabrizio Romano now explains, another summer move for Nunez is starting to look likely.
Darwin Nunez likely to make Al Hilal exit
Al Hilal had always been a back-up choice for Nunez last summer. He had seemingly agreed a deal to join Napoli, but with Liverpool refusing to budge on the fee, the Italian side ultimately backed out after weeks of negotiating.
Naples would surely have been a better fit for Nunez, but as luck would have it, they may get a second chance to sign him in 2026.
Darwin Nunez pictured in action during Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League match against Al Ettifaq
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
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Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday evening, Romano explained the current situation with Liverpool’s former No. 9 and shared what could happen at the end of the season.
“Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez who joined Al Hilal in 2025 is out of the squad for the Saudi Pro League season,” he said. “What does it mean? From now Darwin Nunez will not be able to play anymore for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. He can only play in the Asian Champions League.
“Why? Because with Karim Benzema joining the club and with Marcos Leonardo they have no space for Nunez. It’s a difficult situation, disappointing for the player. I think in the summer there could be movements around Darwin Nunez, that’s my feeling. Keep an eye on him. Fenerbahce rumours in January were never concrete from what I’m told, but in the summer it could be different.”
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Would Nunez return to Liverpool?
Had Liverpool been slightly more savvy, perhaps there could have been a loan deal to be done over Nunez in January.
The Reds are a little short in attacking options and the return of the Uruguay international could have given Arne Slot use of a player he already knows well.
Having passed up on that opportunity, though, it would be a real surprise if there is ever anything further between Nunez and Liverpool from here.
Once Alexander Isak comes back, Slot will have two central strikers to pick from, and although Nunez could also play from the left, Liverpool are likely to sign a winger in the summer.
So, while many will feel sympathy with Nunez over another bump in his career, there is unlikely to be much Liverpool will do about it.
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