Liverpool reportedly eye Darwin Núñez return from Al Hilal in summer 2026

Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer 2026 move to bring Darwin Núñez back to the Premier League after his €53m transfer to Al Hilal in 2025, the latest transfer update from World Soccer Talk says. The report — citing Graeme Bailey via teamTALK — frames Núñez as a potential squad option under new head coach Andoni Iraola, but makes clear no formal offer has been submitted and contract and release issues remain.

Why it matters

A return of Núñez to Liverpool would be striking because it would reunite a high-profile forward with a club reshaping its attack under Iraola. If true, the move would affect Liverpool’s attacking depth and transfer planning — particularly as the report positions Núñez as a backup option rather than an instant starter.

What the report actually says

According to World Soccer Talk (via Graeme Bailey and teamTALK), Liverpool see Núñez as a possible free‑transfer target in the summer of 2026 after a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia. The 2025 €53 million move to Al Hilal is cited, and the report adds that Karim Benzema’s arrival at Al Hilal pushed Núñez out of the club’s sporting project and saw him excluded from the Saudi Pro League squad list.

Liverpool’s squad context in the report

World Soccer Talk frames the interest as part of a wider Liverpool rebuild under Andoni Iraola after a disappointing season. The report points to squad needs: Alexander Isak is noted as recently returning from injury while Hugo Ekitike is said to be sidelined with a long‑term problem, creating a case for additional attacking options. Núñez is described as someone who could offer pace and versatility off the bench, capable of playing centrally or on the left.

Contractual and practical complications

The report also warns that Núñez remains under contract with Al Hilal until 2028, and that the Saudi club could seek compensation. Despite talk of a 'free transfer' in some outlets, World Soccer Talk stresses that Liverpool have not lodged an offer and that negotiations could be complex if Al Hilal demand a fee or refuse to release the player.

• Darwin Núñez moved to Al Hilal for €53m in 2025 (reported).
• Karim Benzema’s arrival at Al Hilal reportedly pushed Núñez out of the club’s sporting project and he was excluded from the Saudi Pro League squad list.
• World Soccer Talk reports Liverpool are considering Núñez as a potential summer 2026 signing, reportedly as a free agent and as a backup option under Andoni Iraola.
• The report says Liverpool have not submitted any offer for Núñez.
• Núñez is reported to remain under contract with Al Hilal until 2028, meaning the club could seek compensation.
• The player’s performances at the 2026 World Cup are cited as potentially influential to his next move.

What happens next

At this stage the story is speculative: World Soccer Talk phrases Liverpool’s interest as a possible option rather than a settled deal. Verification is needed on whether Al Hilal will agree to release Núñez as a free agent, whether Liverpool will lodge a formal approach, and if other clubs join any potential race. Núñez’s involvement and form at the 2026 World Cup is also flagged in the report as a potential catalyst for renewed European interest.

We recommend seeking official confirmation from Liverpool, Al Hilal or the player’s representatives before treating a return as more than rumour. If you are covering transfer trackers, mark this as reported interest pending further evidence.