Darwin Nunez may be on the verge of a shock return to Liverpool, according to reports from his native Uruguay. Nunez is currently at the World Cup preparing for his nation's opening match against Saudi Arabia, which kicks off tonight at 11pm.
Surprise Return to Anfield
However, a reporter from the country has claimed he is set to make a surprise return to Anfield. Last summer, Nunez departed the Reds to move to Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Hilal in a transfer deal believed to be worth around £46.3 million.
His departure came shortly after the club wrapped up a £79m deal for Hugo Ekitike. Nunez's time in Saudi Arabia has not gone to plan, with reports in February claiming he was looking for the exit after being axed from the club's 25-man squad.
World Cup Focus
Fast forward to the World Cup, it has been claimed by Carve Deportiva, a Uruguayan based outlet, that Nunez will return to Liverpool in the summer. It is also stated Nunez is fully focused on his country's World Cup bid, thus rendering any transfer announcement before the end of the competition unlikely.
The ex-Benfica man is understood to have made it clear he does not want any official announcement of his next move until his country's competition is over. This places the timeline between now and the World Cup final on July 19.
Nunez's Liverpool Legacy
Nunez's time at Liverpool had plenty of ups and downs. When he walked away from the club, he did so with a record of 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances for the club. He also departed as Premier League and League Cup winner.
Nevertheless, having joined from Benfica in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth approximately £75m, he had an outstanding reputation having scored 48 goals and contributed 16 assists in 85 appearances for Benfica. He could not replicate the same numbers at Anfield, but a large section of the fan base were still sorry to see him depart the club.
Farewell Message
When he left, he specifically thanked the fan base for supporting him in the face of criticism from the media and football pundits. He wrote: "Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it's time to say goodbye. I'll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever. I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.
"Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all my staff and teammates - thank you, and all the very best for the future."
