The Uruguay international, who left Liverpool for Al Hilal in a £46.3m (€53m) deal last summer after contributing to the 2024/25 Premier League title win, has endured a mixed start in Riyadh: five goals in 11 appearances, hampered by injuries and inconsistent minutes.
With Liverpool’s attack struggling badly in the 2025/26 season—exacerbated by Alexander Isak’s long-term broken leg, Cody Gakpo’s absence, and Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations duty—the Reds have been desperate for forward reinforcements before the January 31, 2026, window closes. Núñez’s name has resurfaced in transfer speculation, with South American and European reports suggesting he’s dissatisfied in Saudi Arabia and eyeing a European comeback, particularly to a club where he enjoyed fan adoration despite his chaotic spell (40 goals in 143 appearances, including clutch moments like late winners at Brentford and Newcastle).
According to emerging reports from reliable South American and transfer insiders, Núñez is “open” to rejoining Liverpool, viewing it as a chance to rebuild his reputation ahead of the 2026 World Cup with Uruguay. However, the 26-year-old has laid down three major conditions that must be agreed upon first:
Guaranteed Starting Role and Tactical Fit — Núñez reportedly wants assurances of regular first-team football under Arne Slot, having started only eight Premier League games in his final season at Anfield due to form struggles and adaptation issues to Slot’s system. He seeks a central striker position where his physicality, pace, and pressing can be maximized, rather than being rotated or used off the bench.
Significant Wage Uplift and Contract Security — Núñez’s move to Al Hilal came with a lucrative salary boost. Any return would require Liverpool to match or exceed his current package (believed to be among the highest in the SPL), plus a multi-year deal extending beyond his previous 2027 expiry to provide long-term stability amid the club’s injury-hit campaign.
Role in Squad Rebuild and Champions League Ambition — With Liverpool sixth in the Premier League and facing pressure to secure top-five finish for 2026/27 Champions League qualification, Núñez wants commitments that the club will compete at the highest level. This includes assurances of further attacking investments (beyond recent signings like Hugo Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz) and a clear path to silverware, aligning with his desire to shine on big stages.
The conditions reflect Núñez’s confidence after his Saudi stint and awareness of his market value, despite a dip in form at Liverpool (underperforming expected goals significantly). Al Hilal, coached by Simone Inzaghi and stacked with stars like Mitrović, Neves, and Cancelo, may demand a substantial fee—potentially £50m+—for a player signed only months ago, though Núñez’s reported unhappiness could facilitate negotiations.
This development comes as Liverpool push for late-window striker solutions after earlier targets stalled. A Núñez reunion would be emotional for fans—his cult status endures from chaotic brilliance and heartfelt celebrations—but risky given past inconsistencies. Slot has emphasized squad balance, and board-level conditions tie his future to results, making a bold move like this a potential game-changer.
No official bids have been confirmed, and talks remain speculative, but with the deadline approaching, a breakthrough could provide the spark Liverpool need for their Champions League finale against Qarabag (January 28) and beyond. If the three conditions align, Darwin could roar back to Anfield—proving “Captain Chaos” still has unfinished business on Merseyside
