Darwin Nunez could be on course for one of the most surprising returns in recent Liverpool history after reports claimed the striker is set to rejoin the club less than a year after leaving Anfield.
The Uruguay international has become a free agent after reportedly agreeing to terminate his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal by mutual consent following a difficult season in Riyadh.
Nunez joined the Saudi giants in a deal worth around £46 million last summer, hoping to reignite his career after leaving Liverpool. However, his spell in Saudi Arabia quickly unravelled.
The striker found himself frozen out after Al Hilal signed French forward Karim Benzema in February, with Nunez subsequently removed from the club’s league squad and struggling for regular opportunities.
Now, according to Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero, the 26-year-old is preparing for a sensational return to Merseyside.
Charquero claims a deal has effectively been agreed but that confirmation is being delayed because Nunez wants to focus fully on Uruguay’s World Cup campaign before any announcement is made.
“Darwin Nunez returns to Liverpool. The confirmation will not be given in these days since the player asked to be focused with the Uruguayan National Team,” Charquero reportedly said.
If completed, the move would represent a remarkable twist in Nunez’s career.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp brought the striker to Anfield from Benfica in a deal initially worth £64 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially taking the fee to £84 million.
While Nunez never fully convinced all sections of the Liverpool fanbase, he remained one of the club’s most popular players thanks to his relentless work ethic, commitment and ability to create chaos for opposition defenders.
During his previous spell with the Reds, he scored 25 Premier League goals and registered 16 assists. However, his inconsistency in front of goal ultimately led Liverpool to cash in when Al Hilal made their offer last summer.
Despite those frustrations, many supporters still retain affection for the striker and have reacted positively to reports linking him with a return.
The prospect of bringing back an experienced forward without paying a transfer fee could prove particularly attractive for Liverpool as they continue reshaping their squad under Andoni Iraola.
Nunez will celebrate his 27th birthday on June 24 and remains firmly in his prime years. With his pace, physicality and relentless pressing, some supporters believe he could thrive in a different tactical setup and finally fulfil the potential that persuaded Liverpool to make such a significant investment in him four years ago.
For now, Liverpool have yet to comment on the reports, while Nunez remains focused on Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.
But if the claims prove accurate, one of football’s most unlikely transfer stories could soon become reality.
