James Pearce provides update on "crazy" Darwin Nunez to Liverpool deal

Liverpool have been linked in recent days with a sensational move to bring Darwin Nunez back to the club.

The 26-year-old was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer - agreeing a mammoth package of around £400k per week to leave Anfield.

The Uruguayan got off to a decent start in the Middle East but his club career has been in turmoil thus far in 2026. Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema in February - meaning Nunez would have to be delisted from their domestic squad.

He has in effect been without any kind of decent match action since then in the SPL - although business will pick up imminently for Nunez as Uruguay play in the FIFA World Cup.

His contract is going to be ripped up by his Saudi employers - meaning Nunez will be free to find a new club in Europe.

And given his initial transfer fee was £46m any team competing for the South American hitman’s signature would be getting a very good deal indeed.

Nunez wants Liverpool return

Liverpool’s needs in the forward area are pronounced given Hugo Ekitike’s injury and Alexander Isak’s lack of reliability from a fitness perspective. Signing Nunez could be just the ticket with the former Benfica star capable of performing out wide on the left too.

He is reported to favour a Liverpool return having put out the feelers - with Newcastle, Chelsea and Barcelona also thought to be keen on his services.

But speaking on the Athletic’s Walk On podcast Liverpool insider James Pearce has pooh-poohed the idea of Nunez making a comeback on Merseyside.

Signing Nunez is a ridiculous idea says Pearce

“That’s a ridiculous idea,” he said. “I don’t even know where to start with that.

“There’s a very, very, good reason why Liverpool got rid of Darwin Nunez.

“I’ve seen some people say: ‘Oh you just get him back on a short-term basis until Ekitike is fit again’.

“On what planet? He’s had his contract ripped up in Saudi, so he would want a massive signing-on fee.

“Even if you could get him for nothing, he would want massive wages and probably a four-year contract.

“Out of all the crazy rumours I’ve heard in the last few weeks, that is right up there.”

Given Pearce’s status as a club insider we can probably take it as gospel at this stage that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes would turn down the chance to take Nunez on a free.

Liverpool look like they have moved on decisively from their cult-hero No9 - who won the title under Arne Slot as a fringe player in 2024/25.

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