Darwin Nunez looking to END Saudi Arabia stint just months after Liverpool departure

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Darwin Nunez is reportedly seeking an escape route from Saudi Arabia, just months after his Liverpool departure. The Uruguayan forward made the switch to Al-Hilal during the summer following Liverpool's Premier League title success, departing for around £66million.

Multiple reports suggest the 26-year-old is unsettled in the Middle East, despite netting four times in six appearances as Al-Hilal trail Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr by four points. Social media speculation has emerged that Liverpool are feeling the absence of the striker as they attempt to overcome a difficult period, with Alexander Isak finding life challenging since joining from Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Argentinian publication Ole has indicated that South American heavyweights River Plate have allocated funds within their wage structure for Nunez ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Manager Marcelo Gallardo is preparing for a squad overhaul, and the coach is reportedly "keen" on bringing in the ex-Liverpool star. The outlet claims they have already 'called' Nunez, who is intent on leaving Al-Hilal.

Despite a promising beginning in Saudi Arabia, which has also seen him provide two assists for his colleagues, Nunez is believed to be considering his next move. This follows a string of social media posts showing the 26-year-old embracing his new life following a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Six weeks ago, Nunez shared a collection of images on Instagram , featuring an action photograph of himself celebrating a goal with the caption: "Back at it [blue heart emoji]."

Seven weeks prior, he uploaded another set of photographs, declaring: "This is just the beginning."

Nunez's stint at Liverpool proved divisive following his expensive transfer from Benfica. The Uruguayan delivered several pivotal moments for the Reds, particularly during their championship-winning season under Arne Slot .

He scored twice against Brentford during a vital phase of the title race. However, alongside flashes of brilliance came censure as he endured lengthy goalless runs and, on one occasion, public criticism from the Dutchman.

Slot was forced to defend the forward during Nunez's difficult periods. Last December, the striker had netted just three goals in 19 appearances, leading the former Feyenoord head coach to back him.

"For me, he has impact," Slot said.

"If you only look at goals, he hasn't scored the amount of goals that he wants to score, or we want a number nine to score, but he does have impact in his work-rate. He's part of a team that scores a lot of goals and is winning a lot.

"Of course, as a number nine you want to score more goals and that's definitely what he wants as well. But I'm not only judging Mohamed Salah on his goals and Darwin on his goals - I also judge them on their work-rate and what they bring to the team.

"The fans support him so much that maybe he wants it too much."

But by February, he was forced to publicly admonish the striker over his work ethic after a difficult afternoon against Aston Villa .

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He said: "I can accept every miss, especially from a player that has scored two very important goals against Brentford, that scores for us in the home game against Villa.

"I would prefer him to score but the word 'chance' says it all. It's a chance so it's not 100 per cent sure that the ball goes in, and players miss chances.

"That I can accept but what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance. I think it got too much in his head, where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team.

"I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance and maybe - we will never know, we will never find out - that's why he was just a fraction short the moment afterwards [when he had another chance].

"I always truly believe that it's best to have Wata's [Wataru Endo] mindset and what I mean with that is that for the whole season he doesn't stop playing, keeps on going and whenever we need him he's ready.

"That is very difficult. There are not many players that can do this so it's not about the chance. It's more about the 20 minutes afterwards where I want to talk to him, [rather] than about him missing a chance."