Liverpool may not need to dip into the big money transfer market for a new striker after all. Fresh claims from Uruguay suggest Darwin Núñez is set to return to Anfield after his spell in Saudi Arabia.
The striker’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months after he spent the 2025/26 season with Al Hilal. However, reports from his homeland now indicate a return to Liverpool is expected once the World Cup is out of the way.
Uruguayan journalist Juan Pablo Romero reported live on Minuto 1 that Darwin Núñez will play for Liverpool next season. The move is already considered on track behind the scenes.
Announcement on hold
According to the journalist, the announcement is unlikely to come during the World Cup. This is because the forward has asked to remain fully focused on Uruguay’s campaign.
Romero explained that Núñez has undertaken a special preparation programme for the tournament. He sees this World Cup as a defining moment in his international career.
As Uruguay’s leading goalscoring figure, he is said to have arrived mentally and physically prepared for the challenge.
The journalist added that there are still contractual details to be resolved. But he stated that the information circulating within the Uruguay camp is that Núñez will be back at Liverpool for the 2026/27 season.
Saudi stint comes to an end
Darwin Núñez’s time in Saudi Arabia proved relatively short despite productive numbers on the pitch.
The striker managed nine goals and five assists in 24 appearances for Al Hilal. But he found himself squeezed out following Karim Benzema’s arrival.
Saudi Pro League foreign player registration limits forced changes to the squad. Núñez ultimately paid the price despite his respectable output.
That situation has naturally fuelled questions about where he would play next season. This is particularly true with several clubs monitoring the market for centre-forwards this summer.
What happens next
It was looming for a while now. But the key point is that the latest information coming from Uruguay points towards the club retaining the 26-year-old rather than seeing him move elsewhere.
There is still no indication of the financial details involved. There is also no clarity on exactly how the contractual situation will be resolved. Romero’s information also stops short of suggesting an imminent announcement.
Nevertheless, the message emerging from within the Uruguay camp is clear: Darwin Núñez is expected to be back at Liverpool once his World Cup commitments are over.