Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez could be set for a surprise return to Liverpool just one year after leaving the club for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Núñez departed Anfield last summer in a £45 million move after falling out of favour under head coach Arne Slot, who was viewed as having no clear long-term place for the forward in his squad.
The transfer has not worked out as either side expected. Liverpool struggled at times for attacking depth during the season and, according to the report, also missed Núñez’s effort and physical presence. Al Hilal, meanwhile, were unable to fully integrate the 26-year-old into their plans. His squad registration was reportedly removed in January to make space for Karim Benzema, leaving Núñez’s future in Saudi Arabia in doubt.
Núñez has since agreed a contract termination with Al Hilal, meaning he will become a free agent on July 1. That development has reignited speculation about his next move, including the possibility of a return to Liverpool. While such rumours initially seemed unlikely, reports emerging from Uruguay now suggest that the striker will indeed be back at Anfield next season, with an official return expected after the World Cup.
If accurate, the move would mark a remarkable reversal just 12 months after his departure. Núñez remains one of the most unpredictable attacking talents in European football: highly gifted, relentless in his work rate, but often inconsistent in front of goal. His previous spell at Liverpool divided opinion among supporters, yet his energy and pressing ability were often valued by the team.
The report also highlights that there is still plenty of time for the situation to change, with the World Cup creating a natural pause before any final confirmation. Transfer stories can shift quickly, and although the sourcing from Uruguay is being treated seriously, there is still room for negotiations, changes in plan, or competing offers from other clubs.
Even so, the possibility of Núñez returning to Liverpool would be one of the more surprising transfer developments of the summer. A player once thought to have no future under Slot could now be heading back to the club where he previously made his name. For Liverpool, it would represent a potential solution to attacking depth concerns. For Núñez, it could offer an unexpected second chance to re-establish himself at Anfield after an unsuccessful stint in Saudi Arabia.
