Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is keen on sealing a shock return to Anfield this summer, according to a new transfer report.
The Uruguayan was a popular figure for the Reds due to his personality and effort levels, but he ultimately failed to justify his £85m price tag.
Nunez left Liverpool last summer, moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but it looks as though a return to Europe could now be on the cards.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the 26-year-old “would like to” seal a Reds reunion this summer, with Chelsea also “watching him” ahead of a possible link-up with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United are in the mix, too, ahead of what could be a Premier League battle to snap him up at the same time as his 2026 World Cup duties with Uruguay.
Does a Darwin Nunez reunion make sense for Liverpool?
As mentioned, Nunez certainly had his supporters at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp speaking highly of him at one point, defending some criticism coming his way:
“He had absolutely more than an OK first season but he had to adapt, that’s done, and he is settled in the middle of the team,” added the German boss. He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”
But while a Nunez return would be met with plenty of positivity, it would feel like a big risk, given the shortcomings in his game first time around at Anfield, from erratic finishing to frustrating decision-making.
Granted, he is still only 26 and has more time to improve, but Andoni Iraola would be wise to look at a different striker option instead, as he looks to fill the void left by long-term injury victim Hugo Ekitike next season.
Nunez has had his chance and not taken it, and while he could return and thrive, it feels just as likely that he will again flatter to deceive in various facets of his game.