Full Breakdown
Darwin Núñez’s Potential Liverpool Return: Rumors, Denials, and Uncertain Futures
6/17/2026, 12:06:04 AM
The Rumored Transfer Back to Anfield
Uruguayan media outlets report that forward Darwin Núñez will re-join Liverpool on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Al-Hilal. The reports stipulate that any public announcement will wait until the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes, while other sources claim no negotiations are underway.
Background: From Benfica to Al-Hilal and the Liverpool Exit
Núñez arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2022 from Benfica for a reported £64 million (potentially rising to £84 million). Over three seasons he made 143 appearances, scoring 40 goals and providing 26 assists, and won the Premier League and League Cup. In the summer of 2023 he transferred to Saudi club Al-Hilal for roughly £46.3 million. His Saudi spell stalled after the club signed Karim Benzema, leading to his removal from the 25-man squad and eventual de-listing under foreign-player limits.
Timeline of Key Developments
- Summer 2022 – Núñez signs for Liverpool from Benfica.
- Summer 2023 – Transfers to Al-Hilal for £46.3 million.
- February (year unspecified) – Al-Hilal registers Benzema; Núñez dropped from squad.
- January (year unspecified) – De-listed from Al-Hilal’s roster.
- June 2026 – Starts Uruguay’s World Cup opener vs Saudi Arabia; substituted at half-time.
- July 1 2026 – Mutual contract termination makes Núñez a free agent.
- July 2026 (post-World Cup) – Uruguayan journalists (Charquero, Romero) claim a deal with Liverpool is “done.”
- Late July 2026 – Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports “nothing is ongoing” between Liverpool and Núñez.
Performance Metrics and Transfer Economics
- Liverpool (2022-2023): 40 goals, 26 assists, 143 matches (all competitions).
- Premier League tally: 25 goals, 16 assists.
- Benfica (2020-2022): 48 goals, 16 assists in 85 games.
- Al-Hilal (2023-2026): 9 goals in 24 appearances.
- Transfer fees: £64 million to Liverpool; £46.3 million to Al-Hilal.
- Contract status: Free-agent from 1 July 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Núñez’s farewell message thanked Liverpool supporters, described his departure as “with a full heart,” and affirmed that “Liverpool will always be part of who I am.” Al-Hilal’s squad changes—specifically the February removal after Benzema’s arrival—were reported by club sources but released without a public comment.
Criticism of Recent Form and Transfer Speculation
Uruguayan outlets highlighted Núñez’s limited impact at the World Cup, citing a “lack of match fitness and competitive edge.” Analysts also noted his inconsistent scoring record at Liverpool, describing his spell as “erratic in front of goal.” Fabrizio Romano’s denial of any active negotiation adds a skeptical view of the transfer rumors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Uruguayan journalists Martin Charquero and Juan Pablo Romero assert that a free-transfer agreement with Liverpool is complete and will be announced after the World Cup. In contrast, Fabrizio Romano states that “those close to Darwin… deny this information” and that “nothing is ongoing” with Liverpool. No official confirmation from Liverpool or Al-Hilal has been released, leaving the situation unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ATTENTION. Darwin Núñez returns to Liverpool. The confirmation will not be given in these days since the player asked to be focused with the Uruguayan National Team.” — Martin Charquero, Uruguayan journalist
- “Everything is done for Darwin to come back…” — Juan Pablo Romero, Uruguayan journalist
- “My information is that those close to Darwin and those close to Darwin’s camp deny this information,” — Fabrizio Romano, transfer journalist
- “Both [Nunez and Vina] players left the pitch with the feeling that they lacked match fitness and competitive edge.” — La Diaria, Uruguayan media
What Lies Ahead
If a free-transfer agreement materialises, Liverpool could finalize the signing after the World Cup final on 19 July 2026. The club’s recent striker shortage, following Hugo Ekitike’s long-term Achilles injury, may increase interest. Until an official announcement, the transfer remains speculative, and Núñez’s next club will be determined by negotiations between his representatives, Al-Hilal, and potential suitors.
