Uruguayan media has reported that Darwin Nunez is set for a surprise Liverpool return with a move 'already agreed', but sources close to the striker have played down the transfer claims
22:41, 15 Jun 2026Updated 22:46, 15 Jun 2026
England v Uruguay - International Friendly
Darwin Nunez is currently at the World Cup with Uruguay(Image: Getty)
Reports from Darwin Nunez's native Uruguay are tipping the striker for a remarkable return to Liverpool, though the prospect of a comeback to Anfield has since been played down. The forward is currently representing his country at the World Cup, where Uruguay will face Saudi Arabia in its Group H opener.
A Uruguayan journalist has claimed that Nunez is on the verge of a surprise return to Anfield, with a deal already in place — though he also suggested any official confirmation is unlikely to come for several weeks.
Last summer, Nunez left the Reds to join Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in a transfer believed to be worth around $62 million (£46.3M). His exit followed shortly after the club wrapped up the $106M (£79M) acquisition of Hugo Ekitike.
Nunez's time in Saudi Arabia has not gone to plan, with reports surfacing in February indicating he was looking for a way out after being dropped from the club's 25-man squad.
Now, with the World Cup in full swing, Uruguayan outlet Carve Deportiva has reported that Nunez will make his way back to Liverpool once the tournament concludes. It has also been noted that Nunez remains entirely focused on Uruguay's World Cup campaign, making any transfer announcement before his nation's run in the United States comes to an end highly improbable, reports the Express.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the first pre-season
Reports that Darwin Nunez will return to Liverpool have been downplayed(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The report suggests the former Benfica striker made it clear he has no desire for any official announcement regarding his next club until his nation's participation in the tournament has come to an end. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, has contradicted this, claiming sources close to the striker have indicated a move is unlikely.
Nunez's time at Liverpool was marked by both memorable highs and frustrating lows. Upon leaving the club, he departed with a record of 40 goals and 26 assists across 143 appearances, as well as a Premier League and League Cup winners' medal to his name.
Having arrived from Benfica in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth approximately $101M (£75M), he brought with him an impressive track record, having scored 48 goals and provided 16 assists in 85 appearances for the Portuguese club.
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He was unable to replicate those same numbers at Anfield, though a significant portion of the fanbase were left disheartened to see him leave. On his departure, he took the time to express his gratitude to supporters for their backing in the face of criticism from the media and pundits.
He wrote: "Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it's time to say goodbye. I'll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever. I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.
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"Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all my staff and teammates - thank you, and all the very best for the future."