HONG KONG - Saturday, July 26, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez during the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season match between Liverpool FC and AC Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
HONG KONG - Saturday, July 26, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez during the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season match between Liverpool FC and AC Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Darwin Nunez is set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer, and the former Liverpool striker is now in talks over a surprise move to America’s MLS.
Nunez left Liverpool for an initial £46 million in August last year, but his time at Al-Hilal did not pan out as hoped.
The 27-year-old made 24 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and assisting, but was cut from their Saudi Pro League squad following the January signing of Karim Benzema.
With the writing on the wall, Nunez has been linked with an exit ever since, and the Uruguayan is expected to depart in the near future.
Atlanta United open talks over Darwin Nunez transfer
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez applauds the supporters as he is substituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez applauds the supporters as he is substituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert now reports that MLS side Atlanta United are in talks over a deal for Nunez as they look to add a high-profile striker to their squad.
Bogert writes that those talks are not yet advanced and a number of other options, including Rennes’ Breel Embolo, have also been approached.
It could offer Nunez an intriguing route back into regular first-team football, though, which should be the striker’s priority this summer.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez celebrates with the trophy after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez celebrates with the trophy after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There have been suggestions of Premier League interest, including Newcastle, but no talks have materialised at this stage despite his availability.
Nunez’s camp were even forced to deny reports of a shock return to Liverpool last month, after Uruguayan reporter Juan Pablo Romero claimed a deal had been agreed and would be announced upon Uruguay’s exit from the World Cup.
Liverpool have taken a similar stance, with no interest in bringing the former No. 9 back to Anfield.
Which other clubs are interested in Darwin Nunez?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez celebrates after scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez celebrates after scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A switch to MLS is not guaranteed and Nunez could attract further offers as he prepares to leave the Middle East, with clubs in Italy, Turkey and Argentina linked in the past.
Napoli made a series of offers last summer but were unable to agree a deal with Liverpool. They went on to sign Rasmus Hojlund on an initial loan which has now been made permanent.
Speaking to AUFTV while on duty with Uruguay last season, Nunez admitted he missed life in Liverpool and in particular the supporters.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's (L-R) Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's (L-R) Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I’d be lying if I said no, that I don’t miss them,” he said. “The truth is they made me feel very good and my family too.
“In difficult moments that I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support and that was very important to me.
“Obviously I miss Liverpool, I miss them a lot.”
Football – LFC Foundation Friendly – Liverpool FC Legends v Borussia Dortmund Legends
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp punches the air after the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 4
CHICAGO, USA - Thursday, July 23, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic departs the team hotel in Chicago on day four of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Collage 4 diagonal (12)
Collage 4 diagonal (12)