Full Breakdown
Darwin Núñez Free Agent, Linked with Liverpool and Others
6/9/2026, 10:59:36 PM
Núñez Becomes Free Agent
Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, 26, has ended his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and is now a free agent. Transfer-rumour outlets report interest from Liverpool FC, Barcelona, Chelsea FC and Atlético Madrid, and note that Núñez prefers a return to Anfield.
Recent History
Núñez joined Al-Hilal in the summer for an estimated €50 million after two seasons at Liverpool FC. After Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema, registration rules forced the club to de-list a foreign-born player, leaving Núñez unregistered in February. He then secured a contract termination, allowing a free-transfer move to any European club.
Key Numbers
- Al-Hilal contract termination: confirmed free-transfer status
- Appearances for Al-Hilal: 16 of 34 league matches
- Goal contributions at Al-Hilal: 10 (combined goals and assists)
- Original Al-Hilal fee: €50 million
- Saudi Pro League registration: unregistered from squad in February
Interested Clubs
TEAMtalk reports Liverpool have been offered the chance to re-sign Núñez without a fee. Mundo Deportivo says Barcelona view him as a possible Robert Lewandowski replacement and have monitored his situation as an alternative to Julián Álvarez. Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are on the shortlist. No club has issued an official statement; the information comes from transfer-rumour sources.
Implications
A free-transfer signing would let Liverpool add a physically strong forward without a fee, preserving budget for other targets such as wing-backs or central defenders. For Liverpool, the addition could also provide depth for the squad. For Barcelona, Núñez could provide a target-man option after recent striker departures. The zero-fee arrangement represents a low-risk acquisition for any interested club.
Concerns
Analysts note Liverpool’s forward line includes Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, both likely to seek regular minutes. Adding Núñez could increase competition and potentially disrupt the developing chemistry under manager Andoni Iraola. His inconsistent scoring record at Liverpool, despite a high work rate, raises questions about his suitability as a primary striker. His goal-per-game ratio at Al-Hilal (10 contributions in 16 matches) contrasts with periods of limited scoring at Liverpool, underscoring the inconsistency noted by analysts.
Discrepancies
Reports vary on the list of interested clubs. Some sources mention only Liverpool and Barcelona, while others add Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. No club has publicly confirmed interest, and Núñez has not issued a statement. Details of the Al-Hilal termination beyond the free-transfer status, including any financial settlement, remain undisclosed.
Upcoming Decisions
The summer transfer window will determine whether any club finalises a deal with Núñez. Monitoring official club communications will clarify his next destination. The free-transfer status has been reported by both TEAMtalk and Mundo Deportivo.
