Darwin Nunez has made feelings clear on Liverpool return as free transfer 'wanted'

Darwin Nunez has already made his feelings clear on a return to Liverpool amid reports that he is set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on a free transfer.

The Uruguay striker left Anfield last summer to move to the Middle East for a fee of £64 million.

His time in Saudi Arabia hasn't gone to plan, however, with Nunez having not played since February after he was de-registered from Al Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad.

His last appearance of any kind was in Uruguay's 1-1 friendly draw with England back in March.

But he has been included in Uruguay's 26-man World Cup squad by head coach Marcelo Bielsa, and will hope that some strong performances during the tournament can put him in the shop window for interested clubs.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Nunez could terminate his contract with Al Hilal and leave the club at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

Barcelona have been linked with making a move the 26-year-old as a 'low cost option' if they cannot complete the signing of primary target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

But it is reported interest from Liverpool that is creating significant attention.

While Nunez was criticised for his lack of consistency in front of goal at Anfield, and he only scored five Premier League goals during his final season, he was involved in several notable moments that helped to seal the Premier League title for Liverpool under Arne Slot.

His versatility - enabling him to play either as a centre forward or on the wing - was something Liverpool didn't exactly replace in either transfer window following his exit.

The prospect of bringing back a player on a free transfer that they sold for £64m almost a year ago might appeal to the Reds, too, as they aim for reinforcements under new manager Andoni Iraola.

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But what does Nunez himself think?

Nunez to Liverpool?

Mundo Deportivo claim that Nunez does in fact want to make a surprise return to Anfield this summer, despite interest from other clubs.

That follows on from comments he made on international duty in March, when he stated that he misses the Liverpool fans 'a lot'.

"I would be lying to you if I told you I don't miss the Liverpool supporters," he said.

"They made me and my family feel good, especially when I was going through a rough time. I obviously miss Liverpool, I miss them a lot."

Nunez originally signed for Liverpool for a fee of £64 million - the same fee he was sold on to Al Hilal for - but with the prospect of that being increased to £85m with add-ons.

He scored 40 goals in 143 appearances in all competitions but his gametime became more sporadic towards the end of Arne Slot's reign in charge.

In his final season, he memorably came off the bench to score a stoppage-time brace in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Brentford - two of five goals he scored in the campaign.