Darwin Nunez’s departure from Liverpool last summer felt, to many, like a premature ending to a promising chapter. The £46 million transfer to Al-Hilal initially offered a fresh start, yielding nine goals in 24 appearances. However, a dramatic shift in the Saudi club’s ambitions has left the Uruguayan international facing an uncertain future.
The arrival of Karim Benzema from rival club Al-Ittihad has triggered a cascade of consequences for Nunez. Strict regulations limiting the number of foreign players born before 2023 have forced Al-Hilal to make difficult choices, and Nunez has become a casualty of Benzema’s high-profile signing.
While still eligible for AFC Champions League matches, Nunez is effectively sidelined for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season. This abrupt change has fueled speculation about a swift return to European football, with Tottenham Hotspur already linked with a potential move.
Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly believes a return to the Premier League is the best path forward for the 26-year-old. He specifically highlighted Chelsea and Manchester United as ideal destinations, envisioning environments where Nunez could flourish.
Desailly emphasized the crucial role of a supportive team dynamic. Nunez, he argues, needs to be surrounded by established players who possess unwavering confidence and a willingness to immediately deliver the ball during his runs. Hesitation, Desailly insists, quickly erodes a player’s belief.
The former Chelsea star remains convinced of Nunez’s underlying quality, drawing parallels to the initial struggles of footballing icons Dennis Bergkamp and Roberto Carlos. Both legends faced periods of doubt and adaptation before reaching their peak, and Desailly believes Nunez can follow a similar trajectory.
Bergkamp’s ill-fated stint at Inter Milan and Carlos’ early struggles with wayward shots serve as cautionary tales. Both players experienced a dip in confidence that hindered their performance, a situation Desailly sees mirrored in Nunez’s experience at Liverpool.
Despite the setbacks, Desailly firmly believes the potential that attracted Liverpool remains intact. He suggests that a change of scenery, coupled with the right environment, could unlock Nunez’s full capabilities and reignite his career.
Ultimately, Nunez’s story is a compelling reminder that financial incentives aren’t always the driving force for a player. His desire to return to the competitive landscape of European football speaks volumes about his ambition and commitment to proving his worth on the biggest stage.
