Darwin Nunez has set his heart on a sensational return to Liverpool this summer as he enters talks to terminate his Al-Hilal contract after just one season in Saudi Arabia.
The Uruguayan striker, who will represent his nation at the World Cup, left Liverpool under a cloud a year ago after a dismal Premier League campaign, during which he scored just five goals in 30 appearances and racked up a number of forgettable low-lights.
He found a home in the Saudi Pro League, representing Al-Hilal, but is already prepared to part ways with the 21-time league champions.
And Nunez will land in a competitive striker market, where Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is the centre of attention amid interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
The latest twist in the Alvarez saga, though, is that he will remain in Madrid, and Nunez has emerged as an appealing alternative.
The Blaugrana are not flush with cash, either, and Nunez could be made all the more appealing should talks regarding his contract termination prove successful.
Per reports from Mundo Deportivo, Nunez is unhappy with his playing time in Saudi Arabia and keen to cut short his stay, meaning he could be available as a free agent this summer.
This would make him a tempting option for Barcelona, who have already spent heavily on Anthony Gordon in this transfer window.
Nunez is also reportedly garnering interest from Newcastle, but he is dreaming of a sensational return to Liverpool.
He first signed with the Reds in 2022 and racked up 66 goal contributions across 143 appearances during his three-year Anfield spell.
And he may be encouraged by new head coach Andoni Iraola’s tactical setup, which has seen the likes of Evanilson and Rayan thrive at Bournemouth this season.
It remains to be seen, though, whether the Reds would move to bring the Uruguayan back to Merseyside. In any case, his future likely will not be confirmed until after the World Cup, or at least until the end of Uruguay’s campaign, which will get underway on June 15 against Saudi Arabia.
