Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Sat 9 May 2026 10:00, UK

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Darwin Nunez is reportedly set to become a free agent imminently and Newcastle United must pull out all the stops to land the bargain of the summer.

The former Liverpool striker moved to Al-Hilal last summer in a deal worth around £46million to make space for Hugo Ekitike and former Magpie Alexander Isak.

But after a strong start to the season, Nunez now finds him out of the squad entirely following the arrival of Karim Benzema in January.

The 26-year-old has reportedly struck an agreement with Al-Hilal that will see his contract, currently due to expire in 2028, be terminated this summer.

Newcastle transfer chiefs have previously expressed their interest in Nunez, and this summer could present a perfect opportunity to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp was a big fan of Darwin Nunez

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Eddie Howe was not pushing to sign Nunez, but the manager could be overruled by Newcastle decision-makers.

The Uruguay international is a long-term target, and could represent an ideal piece of business amid the financial constraints at St James’ Park.

The Magpies are expected to make a big sale this summer as they look to cope with a likely lack of European football next season.

Nunez often struggled in the years following his £64m move to Liverpool in 2022, but the 2023-24 season, which saw him score 18 goals and provide 13 assists across all competitions, was a taste of his potential.

Jurgen Klopp insisted on sticking with the striker and undoubtedly got the best out of him that season.

Speaking in 2023, he said: “It’s really different for him. It’s difficult. Nowadays you pay X, Y or Z for a player and everyone expects they come in and hit the ground running and that’s obviously not that simple.

“Especially with a different language. So it’s really nice to watch him through the week. He’s a player full of potential, nobody doubted that but it was a rocky road a little bit. But he’s here now and it’s a joy.

“It’s a joy to work with him, he loves training, working hard. He’s a different striker to some others but he gives you a lot of options.”

Where did it all fall apart for Nunez?

Despite a strong campaign, Klopp’s exit at the end of the 2023-24 season spelt the end for Nunez’s development at Liverpool.

The Uruguay international instantly found himself on the bench under the management of Arne Slot, who initially opted for Diogo Jota up front and later Luis Diaz.

Even when Nunez came off the bench to score a brace in a crucial win for Liverpool at Brentford, the striker was dropped back to the bench in the game following.

Slot had clearly decided that the 26-year-old was no longer part of his plans, and he was eventually sold when an appropriate offer arrived.

Just a year later, however, the forward could be ready to return to the Premier League with Newcastle.