Darwin Núñez is once again attracting attention for a potential Premier League comeback, barely a year after departing Liverpool.
After playing a key role in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side and contributing to a historic league title, Núñez made a surprising switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in a £46 million move that stunned football fans across Europe. The Uruguayan striker made an impressive start in Riyadh, scoring four goals and providing two assists in just eight matches. Yet speculation is mounting that his stay in Saudi Arabia might be shorter than anticipated.
Although Núñez is contracted to Al Hilal until 2028, rumours of a return to English football are gaining traction — and now, a Premier League legend has added fuel to the fire.
World Cup winner and Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly has publicly suggested that Núñez would be the ideal No. 9 for his former club. Despite Chelsea’s investments in players like João Pedro, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, and Tyrique George, Desailly believes none fully meet the profile the Blues are seeking.
“Núñez was ideal — absolutely spot on,” Desailly told OLGB. “He was unlucky at Liverpool, but they signed him because they saw his enormous potential. With the right confidence and under Maresca, he could have been amazing for Chelsea. If things aren’t working out in Saudi Arabia, he could definitely make a return to England.”
Núñez joined Liverpool in 2022 for £64 million amid high expectations but never fully reached the levels fans anticipated. His best Premier League tally was 11 goals in the 2023/24 season, falling to just five the following year. Liverpool ultimately sold him to fund the signings of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Al Hilal currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points from seven games, four behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. But for many, the real question remains whether Núñez’s Middle Eastern adventure is already losing its luster.
