Darwin Nunez set for transfer return as Liverpool facing daunting prospect
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Darwin Nunez could return to the Premier League this summer after being frozen out at Al-Hilal, with Tottenham and Newcastle among clubs interested in the ex-Liverpool strikerDarwin Nunez's move to Saudi Arabia hasn't gone to plan(Image: Getty Images)Darwin Nunez could be in for a surprising return to the Premier League this summer, just a year after departing Liverpool for Al-Hilal.The Uruguayan forward made the switch from Anfield to the Saudi Pro League team last August, but his inaugural season with the club has been anything but smooth sailing. Due to a stringent foreign player quota and Benzema's registration, Nunez is now ineligible to play Pro League or Cup soccer for his current team.READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha shares two-word message after Jamie Carragher's comments on Liverpool talentREAD MORE: Arne Slot makes 'lucky' admission as Liverpool boss agrees with Alexis Mac AllisterThis will be a significant setback for the striker, who would have been aiming to stake his claim for a spot in his national team for this summer's World Cup in North America.According to TEAMtalk, Nunez is now contemplating his future at the club due to his harsh exclusion from the squad, with sources suggesting that several European clubs have expressed interest ahead of the summer transfer window.Intermediaries have been in talks with a number of English clubs in particular, with Tottenham and Newcastle reportedly showing interest in a potential move for Nunez when the transfer window reopens.Nunez left Liverpool last summer(Image: Getty Images)Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also believed to be long-standing admirers of the player.
However, a potential hurdle in acquiring Nunez's services could be his salary in Saudi Arabia. It's unlikely a European team would match it.That being said, it's also reported that Nunez would be prepared to take a pay cut for the right club ahead of the 2026-27 season.
This comes as Newcastle have been lacking in attacking prowess this season, despite splashing out on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa following Alexander Isak's transfer to Liverpool.In other news, Spurs find themselves in a relegation scrap, sitting 16th in the Premier League table and just five points above the relegation zone after Sunday's 4-1 defeat in the London Derby.Liverpool, on the other hand, hasn't been without its own problems in the forward line this season. Consequently, he now faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines, with a return not expected until April at the earliest.Isak's injury has somewhat dented Liverpool's aspirations of securing Champions League soccer for the 2026-27 season.Currently, the Reds are sixth in the Premier League table with 11 matches left to play, sitting on 45 points alongside fourth-placed Chelsea and Manchester United in fifth.Next up for Arne Slot's players is a home match against West Ham on Saturday, February 28.