Darwin Nunez tipped for surprise Premier League return this summer just a year after Liverpool exit

Newcastle have been told to consider signing former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez this summer.

Nunez has been in talks to leave Al Hilal this summer, just a year after joining from the Reds.

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The 26-year-old has endured a tough time at the Saudi Pro League club since his £46m switch.

Nunez was brutally axed from his side’s Saudi Pro League squad in February to accommodate the January signing of Karim Benzema.

It is understood that Nunez asked to leave Al Hilal after Benzema’s arrival, and talks over his departure remain ongoing.

While the 26-year-old and the club continue to discuss a mutual termination of his £400,000-a-week contract, there will be no formal announcement until after the season ends.

talkSPORT understands that he would be open to a Premier League return and will also explore options in Europe.

Newcastle’s striker problems

Replacing Alexander Isak has been a huge struggle for Newcastle this season following his British transfer record move to Liverpool.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa cost a combined £124m, but have combined for just nine Premier League goals.

Bruno Guimaraes is their Premier League top scorer with nine.

Manager Eddie Howe has often preferred 22-year-old Will Osula to the pair this season, having contributed seven in the league.

Nunez to the Toon?

The idea of Nunez to St James’ Park was proposed on talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon YouTube show.

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Host Olly Clink said: “You can’t sit there with three strikers, especially with Osula in the form he’s in, and go, yeah, probably going to have to have a look at that. 

“How do we think it is going to play out? Is it selling Yoane Wissa and taking a loss on that? Is it maybe moving Woltemade on? Is it selling Osula?”

talkSPORT’s Jack Cunningham replied: “The Woltemade situation is really interesting. I’m worried that he could be the one who’s gone, but now finally it seems like we’ve got him into the team, and have found a way for him to work, which has taken a while. 

“Osula up front as a pressing striker is good. Eddie Howe loves pressing strikers.

“I’m kind of thinking Darwin Nunez on a free. Darwin Nunez is going to be released by Al Hilal. His wages are massive, but I assume he’ll be willing to take a wage cut. 

“It also allows you to then look and spend the money elsewhere. You could spend big on James Trafford, but you could spend big on the midfield, big on another centre-back.

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“I think Darwin Nunez, as much as he’s not the best finisher, let’s be fair, he does cause chaos, and he is the type of striker that Eddie Howe loves. 

“We’ve been linked with him before. He’s got a great record at St James’ Park. I think if you can get him on a free, I think that makes a lot of sense, and he’d be a really good player to lead the line for us.”