Darwin Nunez could be in line to make a sensational return to the Premier League, but the chaotic forward is said to still want a return to Liverpool
10:23, 08 Jun 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Darwin Nunez of Uruguay during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
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Darwin Nunez could make a sensational return to the Premier League(Image: Molly Darlington, Getty Images)
Chelsea have set their sights on Darwin Nunez this summer - though the striker is reportedly eager to return to Liverpool.
Nunez departed Anfield just last summer following a chaotic three-year stint at the club, when he helped win the Premier League but failed to deliver consistently in front of goal. The forward made the switch to Al-Hilal in a deal valued at €53m (£46.3m), yet his spell in Saudi Arabia has proved challenging.
Nunez was ruthlessly dropped from his team's Saudi Pro League squad in February to make room for January acquisition Karim Benzema. With reports suggesting the striker has severed ties with Al-Hilal, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Nunez is hoping for a Liverpool comeback this summer.
Darwin Nunez
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Darwin Nunez has fallen out of favour at Al-Hilal(Image: (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
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Nevertheless, the same report indicates that Xabi Alonso's appointment at Chelsea has sparked interest from the West London outfit, while Barcelona and Newcastle United are also touted as potential suitors.
The Uruguay international arrived at the beginning of the 2022 summer transfer window from Portuguese outfit Benfica for an initial £64m fee, arriving with high expectations. However, he netted 40 goals across 143 outings for the Reds but managed just eight Premier League starts during their title-winning season that marked his final campaign at the club.
In a message to Liverpool fans after his Anfield departure was confirmed, he said: "Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it's time to say goodbye. I'll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.
Darwin Nunez.
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Darwin Nunez wants to return to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.
"Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates - thank you and all the very best for the future."
Nunez's stint at Anfield wasn't without its challenges, with the forward frequently culpable of missing golden opportunities. In an interview earlier this year, he expressed gratitude to Liverpool fans for their unwavering support during his difficult periods at the club.
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He stated: "I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss them. The truth is, they made me feel very welcome, and my family too.
"During some difficult times I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support, and that was very important to me, and obviously I miss Liverpool."