Darwin Núñez could be heading back to Liverpool in a surprising summer move after leaving Al Hilal.

The Reds have reportedly been given the opportunity to re-sign the Uruguay international for free after he and Al Hilal agreed to end his contract by mutual consent at the end of the season.

Núñez moved to Al Hilal last summer in a £46 million transfer, but his time in Saudi Arabia quickly became complicated. After being removed from the club’s league squad following the arrival of French striker Karim Benzema in February, his spell appeared to be over much earlier than expected.

Now searching for a new team, journalist Martin Charquero has claimed that a return to Merseyside could already be in place, according to a translation from Spanish.

“ATTENTION. Darwin Núñez returns to Liverpool. The confirmation will not be announced in the coming days because the player has asked to remain focused with the Uruguay national team.”

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp originally brought the Uruguayan striker to Anfield from Benfica for a reported £64 million fee, which could have risen to £84 million with add-ons.

Just four years later, Liverpool now reportedly have the chance to re-sign him on a free transfer as he approaches his 27th birthday on June 24. A player entering his prime years, Núñez would represent an intriguing option for the club, with some supporters already expressing excitement on social media and calling for his return.

During his first spell in England, he registered 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League. However, his time at Anfield was also marked by inconsistency in front of goal, which ultimately contributed to his departure.