Darwin Nunez reportedly wants to return to Liverpool less than 12 months on from his Anfield exit.
Nunez left Liverpool to join Al Hilal in 2025, as the Reds moved on from the Uruguayan three years after signing him from Benfica.
Last summer's signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were the players tasked with leading the line following Nunez's departure, but Liverpool endured a disappointing season. Although Ekitike had a promising first season on Merseyside, he could now be sidelined until 2027 with a serious Achilles injury, while Isak certainly did not have a good 2025-26 campaign.
Mundo Deportivo says that Nunez could leave Al-Hilal for free, with suggestions that a contract termination by mutual consent could be on the cards.
There is no suggestion that Liverpool is interested in the idea at the moment, but Nunez would undoubtedly be an appealing option for most clubs on a free transfer.
The suggestion is that Barcelona views Nunez as a possible alternative to Julian Alvarez, who is the Catalan club's top striker target this summer.
Alvarez would cost the cash-strapped Catalan club a huge amount of money, so the chance to sign Nunez on a free transfer instead could appeal.
It is claimed that there is interest in Nunez from the Premier League, including Chelsea and Newcastle. The article explicitly states that Nunez would like to return to Anfield.
Some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the speculation surrounding Nunez on social media, with many of them saying that they would welcome the 26-year-old back to the club.
Darwin Nunez during his Liverpool career
Nunez was at Liverpool for three years (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
One Reddit user wrote: "100 per cent [I would take him back]. He suits Iraola's style and he's free. He knows the club. Hugo is out for a year. All makes sense to me."
Another said: "Assuming the wages aren’t extortionate, yes absolutely [I would take him back], he’s exactly the kind of runner Wirtz needs."
A third said: "As a backup for Ekitike until he's back? Absolutely. He shouldn't have left in the first place and will fit right into Iraola's high press system, probably much better than Isak does.
"If we sign him we should do it early. His fitness and confidence have likely suffered in Saudi and he's got some catching up to do, but when he's fully fit, he'll be competing for a starting spot."