Darwin Nunez Liverpool return decision as former striker considers contract termination

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Darwin Nunez's Saudi adventure appears to be over already, but should Liverpool take him back on a free transfer?Big things were expected of Darwin Nunez when he completed a big-money move from Benfica to Liverpool in the summer of 2022, but things did not go quite as planned for the Uruguayan international.Despite scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester City, he was sent off on his Anfield debut against Crystal Palace and would only score 9 Premier League goals in 29 appearances. He crept into double figures the following season with 11 and despite winning the league title with the Reds last season, found himself on the periphery of Arne Slot's starting XI.Effectionally nicknamed 'captain chaos' by some Liverpool fans, Nunez came under fire during his three-year stint at Anfield for squandering too many chances and it was no surprise when he eventually left for Saudi Club Al-Hilal last summer.But fast forward 12 months and the Reds' former No.

The ECHO's writers have had their say.Mark JonesI get the idea in a kind of 'better Federico Chiesa' kind of way, and he'd certainly be more use than the Italian has been in the past season as an option off the bench, but it's a no from me I'm afraid.I'm not sure those who are clamouring for the return of Darwin Nunez are really stopping to consider the frustration he could often cause to so many, and at this time of reset and refresh then I really don't see why a move for a player who was never quite what the club wanted him to be would be worth it.Nunez was a crowd favourite for a time at Anfield because he'd work hard, and there's no doubt that he was a very useful player at times under Jurgen Klopp, but shouldn't sights be set higher?There are other, better players out there for Liverpool. His hold-up play and positional sense were often found wanting in the Premier League and that is before mentioning the high unpredictability of his finishing.I am convinced that in his final season at Liverpool, teammates often chose an alternative option rather than putting him in on goal, such was their lack of confidence in Nunez's finishing.That his current club has effectively already frozen him out mid-way through his first season after paying £46.3m for him tells its own story, I think.Some supporters may argue that getting him back on a free transfer means that Liverpool have nothing to lose, but the player still needs to be paid and is being handsomely rewarded in the Middle East.Thanks for the memories, Darwin, but I think we'll look elsewhere.Charlie MalamFew players in Liverpool history were more frustrating than Darwin Nunez.

But, if he's available on a free transfer, there's actually a lot of sense in bringing him back.Hugo Ekitike might not play again until April while Alexander Isak's struggles to stay fit are well-documented. Both of those suit Iraola.If Nunez would accept a rotational role and a pay cut from his Saudi wages, Liverpool should get him in on a free and hand him a two-year contract so he's playing with a point to prove.Liverpool don't have a single other attacker with an appetite for defending from the front like him, and look how much they missed players like Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz last season.He'll still frustrate, but if he adds another body to the attack while freeing up funds for wingers, midfielders and defenders, it's a sensible signing while Ekitike recovers.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!