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Fabrizio Romano has provided clarification on the future of Darwin Nunez after reports claimed the striker is set to return to Liverpool this summer.
Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica for around £64m ahead of the 2022-23 season after scoring 34 goals in 41 games in his final year in Portugal.
However, his time at Anfield proved inconsistent, with the striker netting 40 goals in 143 appearances.The 26-year-old left Liverpool in the summer of 2025 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for around £46m.
He has scored nine goals in 24 appearances, but has recently fallen down the pecking order and was omitted from their AFC Champions League squad.
Reports had suggested Nunez and Al-Hilal agreed he could leave on a free transfer this summer, fuelling speculation of a surprise return to Liverpool.
However, Romano has now clarified the situation, stating that Nunez’s representatives have moved to downplay any talk of a return to Anfield.
Romano posted on X: “Sources close to the striker play down reports about Darwin Nunez return to Liverpool this summer.”
Romano further reinforced the position on his YouTube channel, stating that “nothing is ongoing” between Liverpool and Nunez, with no active talks or negotiations currently taking place over a return to Anfield.
“My information is that those close to Darwin and those close to Darwin’s camp deny this information,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“They say it’s not true, that there’s nothing ongoing with Nunez and Liverpool.” There were reports of a strained relationship between Nunez and former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during their time together, with the striker reportedly frustrated by limited game time in his final months at the club.
Slot has since left Anfield, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola taking over as his successor.Nunez has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs due to his experience in England and his current situation.
Newcastle United and Chelsea have both been mentioned as potential destinations if he is willing to leave his reported £400,000-a-week salary behind.However, any move would represent a major turnaround so soon after his exit from Liverpool.