Overview
- Several outlets this week report Núñez and Al‑Hilal are negotiating — and may have reached an agreement in principle — to end his contract early, which would make him available without a transfer fee.
- The 26‑year‑old is reported to prefer a return to Liverpool but interest is also being tracked from Chelsea, Newcastle and Barcelona as they assess an inexpensive forward option.
- Núñez’s fall from Al‑Hilal’s plans followed Karim Benzema’s January signing and Saudi Pro League foreign‑player registration rules that led to his de‑registration from the domestic squad in February.
- His potential availability comes as Liverpool face attacking depth concerns caused by Hugo Ekitike’s long‑term injury and Alexander Isak’s fitness issues, making Núñez a plug‑in short‑term choice if wages can be agreed.
- Núñez scored 40 goals in 143 appearances in his first Liverpool spell, will travel with Uruguay to the 2026 World Cup, and his performances there plus the exact terms of any termination are likely to decide where he signs next.