Darwin Núñez is being linked with a potential return to the Premier League less than a year after leaving Liverpool.
Following his key role in helping Arne Slot’s Liverpool win the Premier League title, the Uruguayan striker moved to Saudi Arabia last summer, joining Al Hilal in a £46 million deal.
Since then, Núñez has scored four goals and provided two assists in eight appearances for the Riyadh-based club.
Although his contract with Al Hilal runs until 2028, speculation is already building about a comeback to England. Former France and Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has publicly backed Núñez to make a Premier League return — and specifically to join Chelsea.
“Núñez was perfect, spot on,” Desailly told OLGB. “He had some bad luck at Liverpool, but they signed him because they saw real potential.
With the right system and confidence, he could thrive at Chelsea. If Saudi football isn’t working for him, he should be the one to come back.”
Chelsea have continued to struggle in their search for a consistent No.9, despite bringing in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap during the summer, while Marc Guiu and Tyrique George have also been tested up front.
Núñez initially joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for £64 million amid high expectations. However, he never fully lived up to the hype, with his best league tally being 11 goals in the 2023/24 season.
After scoring just five times last campaign, he was sold as Liverpool reinvested in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Currently, Al Hilal sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points from seven matches, four behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
