Liverpool Transfer Latest: Fabrizio Romano Responds to Darwin Nunez Return Claims
Liverpool have been drawn into fresh speculation around Darwin Nunez after reports in Uruguay claimed the forward was set for a return to Anfield.
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Nunez left Liverpool last summer to join Al-Hilal in a deal worth €53m, around £46m, but his time in Saudi Arabia has not developed as expected. The striker struggled to make the desired impact in the Saudi Pro League and was then left stunned when Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema midway through the campaign.
That move pushed Nunez further down the pecking order and ultimately led to him being omitted from Al-Hilal’s Pro League squad for the remainder of the season. With the relationship damaged, Nunez and Al-Hilal have now mutually agreed to terminate his contract just one year into his spell in Saudi Arabia.
That has made the Uruguay international available on a free transfer, with Liverpool among the clubs to have been offered the player.
Photo: IMAGO
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Iraola Factor Adds Logic to Speculation
There are clear football reasons why the links have gained attention. Andoni Iraola has just arrived as Liverpool head coach and his system demands aggressive pressing, relentless running and intensity from the front.
Nunez, for all the inconsistency that marked his first spell at Anfield, always offered energy and chaos without the ball. That profile would appear to fit aspects of Iraola’s preferred approach.
Liverpool also have concerns in attack ahead of the new campaign. Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss around half of the season while recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture, leaving Alexander Isak as the main senior option through the middle.
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Isak’s quality is clear, but Liverpool will be conscious of his injury history. That combination has made the idea of a Nunez return feel more plausible, at least from the outside.
Romano Dismisses Liverpool Return Claims
However, Fabrizio Romano has now moved to cool the story significantly.
A report from Uruguayan journalist Juan Pablo Romero, relayed by Martin Charquero, claimed: ‘ATTENTION. Darwin Núñez returns to Liverpool. The confirmation will not be given in these days since the player asked to be focused with the Uruguayan National Team. Information from @jpromeroh on #Minuto1.’
Romano has since stated that this version of events is not backed up by those close to the player.
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“My information is that those close to Darwin and those close to Darwin’s camp deny this information,” explained Romano on his YouTube channel.
He added: “They say it’s not true, that there’s nothing ongoing with Nunez and Liverpool.”
Liverpool Situation Remains One to Watch
The expectation remains that Darwin Nunez will find a new club this summer. Being available as a free agent changes the financial dynamics and will naturally attract interest from across Europe and beyond.
For Liverpool, the current position appears clear. There may be logic to the idea, there may even have been an opportunity presented, but there is no advanced move at this stage.
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Fabrizio Romano’s update leaves little room for claims that a return has already been agreed. As things stand, Liverpool are not progressing towards re-signing Darwin Nunez, despite the noise around his Al-Hilal exit.
That does not mean the situation cannot evolve. Liverpool’s forward planning under Iraola remains active, particularly with Ekitike sidelined and squad depth under scrutiny. But for now, the suggestion that Nunez’s second Anfield spell has been approved appears premature.
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