Liverpool could complete a series of transfer deals as the summer window opens, including a potential free transfer return for Darwin Nunez, as well as moves for Joel Ordonez and Jarell Quansah
Tom Victor
12:12, 15 Jun 2026Updated 12:19, 15 Jun 2026
Darwin Nunez could leave Al Hilal on a free this summer
Darwin Nunez could leave Al Hilal on a free this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Having secured the first major objective of its summer, Liverpool can now embark on a period of considerable transfer activity.
Andoni Iraola was appointed swiftly following Arne Slot's exit, and the club's task now is to equip the new manager with the players he needs, having already secured Jeremy Jacquet. The summer transfer window opens on Monday, paving the way for some further prompt business.
The World Cup may complicate certain negotiations — or at least the speed at which deals can be concluded — though that may not be the case with Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward departed Anfield for Al Hilal last summer, but he appears set for a speedy return to European soccer.
A sensational comeback to Anfield has been touted, though other options remain on the table.
So, what might be in store for Liverpool? We have taken a closer look at a number of potential incomings for the Reds, starting with the latest regarding Nunez.
Darwin Nunez — in
Many will feel that Nunez's numbers at Anfield did not reflect what one would have anticipated from a player signed for what was, at the time, a club-record fee. That said, expectations would naturally be different were he to return on a free transfer, as has been speculated.
Nunez is being linked with a return to Liverpool
Nunez is being linked with a return to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
The ex-Benfica striker has produced a goal or assist every 120 minutes for Al Hilal, which represents a decent return even if others have made a greater impact in the Saudi Pro League. Despite being left out of his club's league squad for the latter half of the season, he scored a vital brace in an AFC Champions League triumph over Al Wahda in February, proving he can perform when it matters most.
Nunez has been included in Uruguay's World Cup squad despite not having started for Marcelo Bielsa's side since 2025. The 26-year-old can demonstrate his abilities to Iraola in North America, should the manager choose to adopt a more cautious stance rather than making a hasty decision.
Joel Ordonez — in
Nunez is not the only South American at the World Cup who could interest the Reds. Joel Ordonez was part of an Ecuador defense that conceded just five goals across 18 qualifying fixtures and will be determined to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2006.
The Club Brugge defender only turned 22 in April, yet has already made a significant mark for both club and country. He featured in each of the final eight World Cup qualifiers, with Ecuador maintaining a clean sheet in seven and only conceding after he was withdrawn in the eighth, and appeared in all 10 of Brugge's Champions League matches.
Ordonez signed a contract extension in September, meaning he is unlikely to come cheaply. Nevertheless, his ability to play at right-back as well as in a central role could make him an ideal partner to first summer signing Jacquet.
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Jarell Quansah — in
While the Ordonez speculation has resurfaced, a return for Jarell Quansah could prove more straightforward. The center-back clearly did not feature in Slot's plans, but a change in management could open the door for a comeback.
The England international's displays for Bayer Leverkusen earned him a World Cup call-up and may prove to be exactly what he needed to reignite his career. Liverpool holds a £70 million ($94 million) buy-back clause, which becomes cheaper in 2027, though the Reds could find themselves entering negotiations with their current employers.
With Ibrahima Konate departing and Giovanni Leoni still recovering from a serious injury, center-back appears to be a vital position to address beyond the Jacquet signing. Could a return for Quansah be the answer?