Darwin Nunez is back in the conversation because a free transfer from Al-Hilal Saudi FC is now being talked about after a mutual contract termination. That has turned a former Liverpool forward into a live summer dilemma, especially with Hugo Ekitiké sidelined by a serious Achilles injury.
Nunez's first spell at Liverpool was productive enough to keep this debate alive. He scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in the Premier League before leaving in August 2025 for Al-Hilal after a £46 million move last year.
Why Liverpool are even considering it
Liverpool's need is obvious from the numbers around them. They are fifth in the Premier League on 59 points after 37 games, have taken just one win in their last five league matches, and have scored 62 goals in the league this season.
That is why the free-transfer angle matters. Charlie Malam put it bluntly: "If he's available on a free transfer, there's actually a lot of sense in bringing him back." Michael Owen is less convinced, saying: "Nunez was effective for Liverpool, but if Andoni Iraola does believe he can be a good fit, then he is the one to make that call. He will know how he wants Liverpool to play and who can be effective and know how to play the role well. But for me, I don't see Nunez returning to Liverpool."
The split view is fair. Nunez was not a clean fit first time around, but a free deal changes the calculation. Liverpool would not be paying a fee, and in a summer where forward depth is already under strain, that matters.
Barcelona and Chelsea make it messier
Liverpool are not the only club looking at the situation. Chelsea and Newcastle have both been linked with Nunez as they look at attacking reinforcements, while Barcelona are viewing him as a low-cost option if they fail to land Julián Alvarez.
Barcelona's interest is easier to understand than a lot of the noise around this story. They are top of La Liga on 94 points and have scored 95 league goals, so any move for Nunez would be about value and depth rather than a desperate search for goals.
That still leaves Liverpool with a real decision to make. The case for a comeback is simple enough, if the terms are right and the free-agent status holds. The case against it is just as familiar, because the first Liverpool spell had enough ups and downs for some to doubt a repeat makes sense.
For now, the only thing that is clear is the market around him. If the exit from Al-Hilal goes through, Liverpool, Barcelona and Chelsea will all have a reason to keep watching, and the next step will depend on whether Nunez is actually available on a free transfer.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →