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Liverpool supporters were left bewildered after the club’s official social media account shared a cryptic post about former striker Darwin Nunez, sparking widespread speculation over a possible return to Anfield. The Uruguayan forward, who departed the Reds last summer, is suddenly being linked with a sensational free transfer back to Merseyside, with fans urging new manager Andoni Iraola to make the move happen.

Uruguayan forward becomes a surprise free agent

Reports suggest that Nunez has become a free agent following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old had joined the Saudi Pro League side just last year, but the signing of Karim Benzema appears to have pushed him out of the registered squad. According to multiple sources, Liverpool have now been given the opportunity to re-sign the forward without paying any transfer fee.

With the Reds currently reassessing their attacking options after Hugo Ekitike suffered a long-term injury, the chance to add an experienced international for free could be too good to pass up. Moreover, Nunez’s physicality and energetic pressing are viewed as an ideal fit for Iraola’s high-intensity playing philosophy. During his previous stint with Liverpool, Nunez scored 40 goals and registered 26 assists in 143 appearances. Though his finishing was inconsistent, his relentless work rate earned him admiration from a section of the Anfield faithful.

Social media post triggers speculation of reunion

Adding to the intrigue surrounding his availability, Liverpool’s official social media team caused a stir on X by posting: “Darwin Nunez joined the Reds four years ago today.” While such anniversary messages are usually routine, the timing of this post raised eyebrows among fans given the striker’s current free-agent status. Many questioned why the club would highlight a player who left after a relatively short spell, prompting speculation that a re-signing announcement might be imminent.

Supporters react to the cryptic post and rumours

The unusual timing of the club’s message quickly sparked a wave of reactions online. Some fans expressed excitement, while others were more cautious. User @CalvinCaleb7 responded, “Thought this was a welcome back Darwin post!”, and another fan, @TheKopoholic, simply commented, “Bring him home.”

Another supporter, @pathless__path, emphasised how well Nunez could fit Iraola’s system, saying, “I really thought Nunez had rejoined and I was about to celebrate. Please bring him in for free. He’s made for Iraola’s football. He knows the club and will give everything for the team.”

However, some more sceptical fans believed the post might have been intentionally provocative. User @ateenfc remarked, “Admin knows what they’re doing,” while @TeeRobinho speculated that the club might be “testing the waters to see if fans want him back.” Similarly, @TaintlessRed connected the timing of the post to recent rumours, saying, “It’s curious that we’re tweeting about Darwin joining four years ago. We don’t do that for players who left after such a short time. Maybe we’re planning to bring him back on a free?”

Interest from Barcelona and Premier League rivals

Liverpool are not alone in eyeing Nunez’s situation. Reports in Spain, including from Mundo Deportivo, indicate that Barcelona are considering him as a cost-effective successor to Robert Lewandowski. In England, Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been linked with the Uruguayan striker as they aim to strengthen their attacking line-ups ahead of the new season. If Liverpool hope to secure his signature, they may need to act swiftly despite lingering concerns over his finishing ability.

The Reds’ management will have to weigh whether Nunez’s familiarity with the club and city can offset the frustrations from his first spell, during which he recorded a modest shot conversion rate of just over 11 per cent. While the fanbase remains split between excitement and doubt, the possibility of a free transfer for a player who once cost £64 million makes for one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer. For now, Liverpool’s social media post has succeeded in putting Darwin Nunez back in the spotlight across Merseyside.