Darwin Núñez is already being linked with a sensational Premier League return — less than a year after bidding farewell to Liverpool.
After playing a key role in Liverpool’s historic title triumph under Arne Slot, Núñez made a shock switch to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al Hilal in a £46 million move that raised eyebrows across Europe. But despite a bright start in Riyadh — four goals and two assists in just eight appearances — whispers are growing that the Uruguayan may not be settled for long.
The 25-year-old is tied to Al Hilal until 2028, yet the rumour mill is spinning fast, with talk of a dramatic comeback to English football already gaining traction. And one legendary Premier League figure has thrown fuel on the fire.
World Cup winner and Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly believes Núñez would be the ideal No.9 to lead the line for his former club. Chelsea’s long-running search for a clinical striker continues, and despite recent signings like João Pedro, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George, Desailly claims Núñez is the profile the Blues truly need.
> “Núñez was perfect, spot on,” Desailly told OLGB. “He was unlucky at Liverpool, but if they signed him, it’s because they saw huge potential. Under Maresca, with confidence, he would have been a fantastic fit for Chelsea. If Saudi isn’t working out, he could be the one to come back.”
Núñez arrived at Anfield in 2022 with massive expectations after a £64 million switch from Benfica, but he never fully became the ruthless goalscorer Liverpool hoped for. His best league tally was 11 goals in 2023/24, dropping to five last season before the Reds cashed in to fund moves for Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal sit 3rd in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points from seven matches — four behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr — but the spotlight remains firmly on whether Núñez’s Saudi stint could be short-lived.
A second shot at the Premier League… is the Darwin redemption arc already loading?
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