Darwin Nunez could join a European giant this summer after some bizarre rumors linked with a return to Liverpool, with a Saudi Pro League transfer exit near-certain
21:52, 24 Jun 2026
Darwin Nunez in action for Uruguay against Cabo Verde at the World Cup.
Darwin Nunez in action for Uruguay against Cabo Verde at the World Cup.(Image: Calvin Hernandez/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is likely to leave Al Hilal this summer, with AC Milan the latest European giant to be linked with a move for the Uruguayan.
Nunez was sold to the Saudi Pro League a year ago for a fee that might have reached $75 million (£56 million) including add-ons. With Hugo Ekitike currently out injured, the 27-year-old was tipped to come back to Liverpool to plug the gap, but those rumors were always bizarre.
Having departed because he wasn't deemed to be of the level required, re-signing him — even as a free agent — 12 months later would be an odd move. Liverpool has other priorities in the market.
Nunez has been linked with Barcelona and clubs in Turkiye in recent weeks, but Ruben Amorim is supposedly considering him for AC Milan too.
According to Calciomercato, Nunez would be open to going to the San Siro. As a result, and with Amorim on the hunt for a new number nine, the player is said to have been offered to AC Milan.
The deal would be complicated by the salary that Nunez is currently earning in Saudi Arabia. Despite Al Hilal supposedly being willing to let him leave for free, the report says any deal for Nunez to head to Milan would be a loan.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Darwin Nunez #9 of Uruguay looks on in the tunnel during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Miami, United States. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez looks set to be on the move again this summer(Image: Getty Images)
At the end of last month, it was reported in Spain that Nunez had offered himself to Barcelona when its deal for the Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez stalled.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona was in talks with Al Hilal about turning Joao Cancelo's loan into a permanent transfer.
In those negotiations, the Saudi Pro League side has brought up Nunez as someone who might be of interest at the same time, though nothing has come of that in the intervening period.
In the second half of last season, Nunez was left out of the Al Hilal squad and deemed to be surplus to requirements. It has already been agreed that he will be allowed to depart in this transfer window.
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Currently, Nunez is at the World Cup with his country, which could delay any transfer. Uruguay has not played well so far, though, and does not look set to go far in the competition.
Liverpool.com says: Nunez is more than good enough to thrive in one of the other European leagues. He did very well in Portugal, but needs space to run into behind defenses to come into his own.
Getting his next move right will be vital, but returning to Liverpool was never a good idea. The striker moved on for a reason, and even though he might be a free agent, there are lots of other associated costs to factor in.