New Darwin Nunez opportunity emerges after Liverpool turn down striker deal

It looks like Liverpool will pass up the chance to re-sign Darwin Nunez.

The Uruguayan striker - who is currently on duty with his nation at the FIFA World Cup - left Anfield last summer.

The 27-year-old joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia for an initial £46m on a contract worth £400k per week. But the No9’s time in the Middle East has been a disaster - and he is without significant game time since February.

Al-Hilal completed a deal to sign Karim Benzema - relegating Nunez to the margins due to him being de-listed from the domestic squad.

Nunez has "physically deteriorated"

Uruguay head coach Marcleo Bielsa has reportedly had reservations over Nunez ever since - with the former Leeds boss reckoning he has “physically deteriorated” due to his period of inactivity.

Nunez is likely to be available for free - or else a cut-price fee - with Al-Hilal said to be willing to rip up his bumper deal and facilitate a return to Europe.

But reports in recent times suggest the outgoing Premier League champions aren’t convinced about taking a risk on their former player.

Liverpool not convinced on Darwin

Instead a new suitor looks likely to emerge - with Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan now eyeing up a deal for the one-time Liverpool record signing.

“There have already been some contacts with players attending the World Cup, one of whom is Darwin Nunez,” a report on Milan Vibes states.

A salary of €2m per month is currently out of reach for Milan so it will take some negotiations to get this one over the line.

AC Milan want €2m-per-month Nunez

“There are two possible solutions: a permanent purchase for a fee significantly lower than the purchase price, allowing the club to choose the salary offer for the player, which would then potentially be favorable to the Rossoneri's salary caps, especially if Rafael Leao , who currently covers the largest salary slot, were to leave,” the report reads.

“Alternatively, a loan deal with the Arab club contributing to the player's salary, a highly unlikely option.”

Nunez has previously been linked to Milan - back in his Liverpool days - and is also reported to regret at missing out on a move to Serie A with Napoli last summer.

And while Liverpool are unlikely to take the plunge and sign Nunez he now looks set for a return to a top European club and will be eager to put a nightmare 2026 so far behind him.

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