Darwin Nunez 'in talks for shock Premier League return' as ex

Darwin Nunez 'in talks for shock Premier League return' as ex-Liverpool star set for new club

Darwin Nunez only joined Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer in a £46million move, but the striker could already be on his way back to the Premier League in the coming months in a shock return

Darwin Nunez could make a shock return to the Premier League this summer, just a year after leaving Liverpool for Al-Hilal. The Uruguayan striker moved on to the Saudi Pro League titans in a £46million move in August, but his first season with the club has been far from straightforward.

With nine goals and five assists to his name from 24 appearances across all competitions, it appears on the face of things that the 26-year-old has thrived in the Middle East. However, after the arrival of Karim Benzema earlier this month, Nunez has seen his future with Al-Hilal cast into speculation.

As a result of a strict foreign player quota and Benzema's registration, Nunez is now unable to play Pro League or Cup football for his current club. It will come as a major blow to the forward, who will have hoped to put himself in the frame to represent his country at this summer's World Cup in North America.

READ MORE : Rio Ngumoha shares simple-two word message after Jamie Carragher's comments on Liverpool starREAD MORE : Liverpool injury news and return dates after Nottingham Forest with Florian Wirtz update

As per TEAMtalk, Nunez is now considering his future with the club as a result of his brutal omission from the squad, with sources claiming that a number of European clubs have made enquiries ahead of the summer transfer window.

Intermediaries have spoken with a number of clubs in England in particular, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United said to be interested in a potential move for Nunez when the window reopens.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also thought to be long-term admirers of the talent. However, a stumbling block in securing Nunez's services could come in the form of the mammoth £400,000-per-week salary he currently reportedly receives with Al-Hilal, despite no longer playing competitive football with the first team.

With that said, it is also reported that Nunez would be willing to sacrifice a chunk of that salary for the right club ahead of 2026/27. It comes as Newcastle have struggled for firepower this season despite spending big on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in the wake of Alexander Isak's £125m move to Liverpool.

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

Elsewhere, Spurs find themselves running the risk of being sucked into a relegation battle, 16th in the Premier League standings and just five points clear of the drop zone after Sunday evening's 4-1 loss in the North London Derby.

Liverpool, meanwhile, haven't been without their own fair share of issues in the striking department this season. While Hugo Ekitike has impressed in his maiden season at Anfield, with 15 goals and four assists to his name thus far across all competitions, Isak's tenure has proven less fruitful.

The Swedish striker managed just three goals and an assist before he suffered a fractured fibula in December which required surgery. As a result, he now faces a lengthy period on the sidelines, forecasted to return in April at the earliest.

While it hasn't prevented Liverpool from thriving as of recent, Isak's injury has, in part, hampered the club's hopes of securing Champions League football for 2026/27. As it stands, the Red sit sixth in the Premier League standings with 11 matches remaining with 45 points alongside fourth-place Chelsea and Manchester United in fifth.

Up next for Arne Slot's side is a home fixture with West Ham United at 3pm on Saturday, February 28.

Click here to read article