Nunez eyes Liverpool return but Chelsea and Barcelona circle after Al-Hilal exit

Darwin Nunez wants to return to Liverpool this summer after a troubled spell in Saudi Arabia, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, though Chelsea, Barcelona and Newcastle United are also pursuing the Uruguay international.

Nunez left Anfield last summer following three seasons and 143 appearances at the club, joining Al-Hilal in a deal worth €53m (£46.3m). His time in Saudi Arabia quickly unravelled: in February he was dropped from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad to make room for January signing Karim Benzema, and reports now suggest he has terminated his contract with the club entirely.

The 25-year-old originally arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2022 from Benfica for an initial fee of £64m, one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. He scored 40 goals across his three years on Merseyside but found his role diminished in his final season, starting only eight Premier League games during the title-winning campaign.

Despite a reputation for spurned chances, Nunez retained strong affection from the Anfield crowd, and he has spoken openly about missing the club. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss them,” he said earlier this year. “During some difficult times I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support, and that was very important to me.”

In his farewell message to supporters last summer, Nunez wrote: “Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I’ll miss you more than words can say.”

While a sentimental return to Liverpool appears to be Nunez’s preference, the report notes that Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea has made Stamford Bridge a credible alternative destination. Barcelona and Newcastle are also monitoring his availability as a free agent.