Darwin Nunez has been advised to join one of Liverpool's rivals this summer in what would be a controversial transfer move a year on from leaving the Anfield side
15:05, 15 Jun 2026
Darwin Nunez will represent Uruguay at the World Cup
Darwin Nunez will represent Uruguay at the World Cup(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly says Darwin Nunez should sign for the Stamford Bridge side, with his future seemingly lying away from Al Hilal.
Nunez, it was claimed last week, would be interested in returning to Liverpool this summer, a year on from departing for the Saudi Pro League for a fee of around $61 million (£46 million). However, while he could come back to the Premier League, the Reds upgraded significantly with the likes of Alexander Isak last summer.
Should Nunez be available as a free agent, though, there would be no shortage of options for him. Newcastle has been linked in the past, while Desailly believes Chelsea should be keen.
"There’s not many in the market from the French team," Desailly told Betway.
"Obviously, we have to put aside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Desire Doue is not really a striker or that point of reference. They need a difference maker, like a Pippo Inzaghi or a Hernan Crespo.
"It’s the same for someone like Bradley Barcola. I believe he still needs to learn a little more and improve his understanding of the game. He’s an amazing talent, but he would not suit Chelsea yet.
Nunez in action for Uruguay against England
Nunez in action for Uruguay against England(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
"A player who would could suit the profile is former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. If you give him the confidence and belief, he will not feel shy because the people in the system are a higher grade than him.
"That is what happened to him at Liverpool. There were too many players higher grade than him, so he couldn’t express himself. At Chelsea, I’m sure he would express himself and perform."
Nunez will play for Uruguay later as they take on Saudi Arabia at the World Cup. With Wataru Endo out injured, Liverpool only has seven representatives at the tournament.
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Alisson Becker and Brazil drew with Morocco before the Netherlands (Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch) tied 2-2 with Japan.
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Florian Wirtz also got an assist for Germany against Curacao, but there are no Liverpool players in the England team.
Alexis Mac Allister is the only other Reds man at the tournament, with Argentina taking on Algeria on Tuesday.
Liverpool.com says: Nunez has quality, but he should have been able to be more consistent with his talent. He was very instinctive and didn't progress during his three years at Anfield.