Darwin Nunez future takes shock twist as 'unthinkable' move emerges

Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window and an unthinkable transfer has emerged.

The Uruguay international has endured a difficult start to life in Saudi Arabia after leaving Liverpool on the back of winning the Premier League despite falling out of favour under Arne Slot.

Nunez never reached the heights expected of him at Anfield after Jurgen Klopp paid £85m to prise the forward from Benfica — his moments of magic were too often followed by squandering huge chances.

The 26-year-old made a blistering start to life in the Middle East, scoring four goals and registering two assists in his first five games. However, following the arrival of Karim Benzema from rivals Al-Ittihad - Nunez was removed from the Saudi Pro League squad in February 2026 due to limits on foreign players.

He was only eligible for the AFC Champions League games, ensuring a disappointing end to his season and leading to many questions over his future.

Various reports have suggested that Nunez has reached an agreement with the Al-Hilal hierarchy to leave the club this summer, some even suggesting his contract could be terminated allowing him to depart for nothing.

A player of his quality potentially available on a free transfer has seen interest in Nunez spike, with Chelsea and Newcastle reportedly keen on bringing the Uruguayan back to the Premier League.

Now, Barcelona have also emerged as a contender for his signature if they fail to secure the services of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.

But the same report claims an even crazier move could be on the cards with Liverpool monitoring the situation and potentially re-signing the forward.

New manager Andoni Iraola's high-intensity, high-pressing football would be perfectly suited to a player like Nunez and Liverpool's forward line is desperately in need of strengthening during the summer window.

Record signing Alexander Isak struggled for form and fitness during his first season at the club and Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss the entire season due to injury.

Mohamed Salah is departing and Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave. Liverpool need attackers and a free transfer for Nunez could be a masterstroke given they were paid around £46m for the ex-Benfica man just one year ago.

Nunez would be a solid rotation option to allow Isak to stay fit and cope with the demands of another challenging football schedule in a more intense system than he played in under Slot and is also adept at playing on either flank.

Milan, Juventus and Fenerbahce have also been linked with a move for the forward but none would be more shocking than a return to Anfield.