Darwin Nunez one step closer to emotional Liverpool deal | OneFootball

It has been claimed by a report in Spain that Darwin Nunez wants a return to Liverpool.

The 26-year-old was sold last summer by Richard Hughes for an initial fee of £46m. But the transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal has been a disaster.

Although the Uruguayan hitman can console himself with a reported salary of £400k per week it simply hasn’t worked out on the pitch.

Nunez got off to a decent start with the Saudi Pro League giants but was sensationally delisted from their domestic squad when Karim Benzema in February.

Since then the former Red has barely kicked a ball in anger - albeit he is now preparing to play in the FIFA World Cup under Marcelo Bielsa.

Liverpool now considering Darwin deal

A move to Liverpool would of course have a romantic element and a sense of unfinished business. But Nunez could legitimately do a job next season under Andoni Iraola.

He is a very good presser and without Hugo Ekitike the outgoing Premier League champions are going to require cover up top.

Given that Al-Hilal are preparing to rip up his deal Nunez would also be a free transfer - a sensational bit of business if it goes through.

Now it appears as though Liverpool are indeed weighing up whether or not to bring the former No9 back to Anfield.

According to a report in TEAMtalk Reds’ decision-makers have been informed of Darwin’s availability and are currently deliberating over a contract offer.

Plenty of competition for Darwin

“Liverpool are weighing up an incredible opportunity to bring their one-time record signing Darwin Nunez back to Anfield as a free agent this summer,” the report reads.

“Nunez’s representatives have already begun speaking with clubs and intermediaries across the continent as they assess the most attractive options for the next stage of his career, with Liverpool very much in the mix, though far from the only side keen.

“Liverpool are among the clubs who have been informed of Nunez’s availability.

“Liverpool have yet to decide whether a sensational return to Anfield is something they would actively pursue.”

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Benfica and Bayern in the hunt

The report also adds that competition is going to be fierce for this high-profile free transfer. Another one of Darwin’s former clubs - Benfica - would love to facilitate a deal.

And Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa from the Premier League are all said to be considering moves. More overseas interest is coming from Atletico Madrid - long-term suitors - and Bayern Munich.

Darwin will of course have to sacrifice some salary in order to gain his move back to Europe. But Liverpool surely have the advantage now with Darwin seemingly making the declaration that his preference is a move back to Merseyside.