Darwin Nunez is reportedly on course for a remarkable return to Liverpool, according to Uruguayan journalist Martín Charquero, who reports that an official confirmation is being held back at the player’s own request so he can keep his focus on the World Cup with Uruguay.
The story has been building momentum for over a week now, with multiple outlets across Spain, England, and South America reporting that Nunez has become a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Al Hilal.
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The Uruguayan only joined the Saudi club in 2025 for a fee in the region of £64m, but the move quickly turned sour following the arrival of Karim Benzema, whose signing forced Al Hilal to de-register a foreign player under Saudi Pro League rules.
Nunez was the one squeezed out, and he hasn’t played a competitive match since February.
A Mundo Deportivo report claimed that Nunez “would like to return to Liverpool” should the opportunity arise, even with Newcastle, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid also said to be monitoring the situation.
Liverpool’s interest is being driven partly by need.
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined long term and Alexander Isak only recently back from injury, Andoni Iraola is short on attacking options heading into the new season.
Nunez profile, explosive pace, physicality, and relentless pressing, is seen as a natural fit for the high intensity style Iraola wants to implement, similar to the approach that worked for him at Bournemouth.
The emotional pull is just as significant.
Speaking back in March, Nunez admitted he missed the Liverpool supporters “a lot,” saying they made him and his family feel good, especially during difficult periods.
That sentiment, combined with his obvious affection for the club, has fans on Merseyside increasingly excited at the prospect of seeing him back in red.
His numbers from his time at Anfield show why he remains a fan favourite despite a sometimes inconsistent few years.
Across 143 appearances for Liverpool, Nunez scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists, including 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone.
He was part of the squad that won the Premier League title under Slot, even if his role diminished, starting just eight league games in that title winning campaign.
Adding to the intrigue, Liverpool’s own social media account recently posted an anniversary message marking four years since Nunez joined the club, a post that sparked confusion and speculation among fans given the timing.
For now, though, the message from Charquero’s report is clear.
A deal appears to be in place in principle, but with Uruguay’s World Cup campaign underway and Nunez named in Marcelo Bielsa’s 26 man squad, any formal announcement will wait until after the tournament, allowing the striker to give his full attention to the international stage before completing what would be one of the most popular reunions of the summer.
ATENCIÓN.
Darwin Núñez retorna al Liverpool. La confirmación no se dará en estos días ya que el jugador pidió estar concentrado con la Selección uruguaya.
▶️ https://t.co/vlCKalfzpu pic.twitter.com/UjNuvYmPtf
— Martin Charquero (@MartinCharquero) June 15, 2026