Darwin Núñez's Liverpool Return Slips Away as Milan Emerges

Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool return is slipping away before it ever truly began.

Twelve months after leaving Anfield for the riches of Saudi Arabia, the Uruguayan striker finds himself on the outside looking in – frozen out at Al-Hilal, under scrutiny with his national team, and now seemingly unwanted by the club that once made him their record signing.

In his place, a new door is creaking open in Milan.

From record signing to afterthought

Núñez walked out of Liverpool last summer for Al-Hilal in a deal worth an initial £46 million, signing a contract reported at around £400,000 per week. On paper, it looked like a statement move: a 27-year-old in his prime, swapping the Premier League spotlight for a central role in the Saudi Pro League project.

The reality has been brutal.

Since February, Núñez has barely had a kick. His minutes have dried up, his status eroded. When Al-Hilal sealed the signing of Karim Benzema, the hierarchy made their choice. Núñez was de-listed from the domestic squad and pushed to the fringes.

For a striker whose game relies heavily on power, intensity and constant movement, inactivity cuts deep. It has not gone unnoticed back home.

Bielsa’s concern and a contract ready to be ripped up

Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa is reported to have had reservations about Núñez for some time now, with concerns that the forward has “physically deteriorated” during his spell without regular football.

Núñez is currently away with Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup, but his club situation hangs over him. Al-Hilal, aware that a high-earning, unused striker helps no one, are said to be willing to tear up his lucrative deal to clear the decks and facilitate a return to Europe.

That should, in theory, trigger a scramble for his signature. A 27-year-old international striker, potentially available for free or at a heavily reduced fee, is usually a market anomaly that elite clubs pounce on.

Liverpool, though, are not biting.

Liverpool step back as Milan step forward

Reports suggest the outgoing Premier League champions are unconvinced about rolling the dice on Núñez again. The risk profile is clear: big wages, recent inactivity, and a player whose physical edge has been questioned by his own national coach.

So the Anfield reunion that once seemed a natural storyline is fading fast.

Into that space steps AC Milan. Under Ruben Amorim, the Rossoneri are exploring a move, with Italian outlet Milan Vibes reporting that “there have already been some contacts with players attending the World Cup, one of whom is Darwin Nunez.”

Milan like the profile. A mobile, aggressive No 9, with something to prove and a point to make in Europe. But the numbers are heavy. A salary of around €2 million per month is currently beyond Milan’s structure, and any deal will demand serious negotiation.

Two paths on the table

For Milan, the equation is clear and has been laid out in local reports.

“There are two possible solutions: a permanent purchase for a fee significantly lower than the purchase price, allowing the club to choose the salary offer for the player, which would then potentially be favorable to the Rossoneri's salary caps, especially if Rafael Leao, who currently covers the largest salary slot, were to leave,” one report states.

That is the cleanest option: a cut-price transfer, Núñez accepting a more modest wage, and Milan reshaping their wage bill – potentially in the wake of a major outgoing like Rafael Leão.

The other route is far messier.

“Alternatively, a loan deal with the Arab club contributing to the player's salary, a highly unlikely option.”

Al-Hilal subsidising a loan for a de-listed, high-earning striker would solve Milan’s problem, but there is little confidence the Saudi club would agree to that kind of compromise. If Núñez wants San Siro, he may have to sacrifice a chunk of his current income to make it happen.

A career at a crossroads

Núñez has been here before, at least in theory. Milan tracked him during his Liverpool days, while he is also reported to regret missing out on a move to Serie A with Napoli last summer.

Now the stakes are far higher.

From record signing at Liverpool to unwanted asset in Riyadh, Núñez stands at a crossroads. The next decision will define the prime years of his career: cling to a fading contract in Saudi Arabia, or fight his way back into Europe’s elite, possibly in the red and black of Milan.

One thing is clear: the route back through Anfield is closing. The question now is whether San Siro becomes the stage for his redemption, or just another move that came too late.