EXCLUSIVE: “It’s Him or Me” – Darwin Núñez Issues Shock Ultimatum for Anfield Return
LIVERPOOL, UK — In a development that has sent shockwaves from Merseyside to Riyadh, Darwin Núñez has reportedly issued a definitive “all-or-nothing” condition to the Liverpool board regarding a sensational return to the club this summer.
Less than a year after his £46 million move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal, the Uruguayan forward is looking for an escape route. But while the romanticism of a “Darwin Homecoming” has fans buzzing, the player himself has allegedly drawn a line in the sand that has left Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy in a state of total disbelief.
The Bombshell Quote
According to sources close to the player’s camp, Núñez has been blunt about his requirements for wearing the Red shirt again. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a member of his inner circle revealed the striker’s stance:
> “I’m happy to come back to the club I love, but there is one player in that dressing room I simply cannot work with anymore. After what was said behind closed doors last season regarding the missed chances and the ego, it’s him or me. If Liverpool move him on, I’ll be at Anfield tomorrow.”
>
This ultimatum comes at a time when Núñez finds himself in a “Saudi nightmare.” Following the arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal in January 2026, Darwin was sensationally omitted from their Saudi Pro League squad due to foreign player quotas. He is currently a man without a league, fueling rumors of a Premier League resurrection.
Who is the Mystery Player?
The phrase “missed chances and the ego” has set social media ablaze with speculation. While Núñez was a “chaos agent” beloved by fans, he often faced internal pressure during the 2024/25 transition season.
* The Veteran Clash? Many are pointing toward Mohamed Salah. As the club’s undisputed talisman, Salah’s high standards were often visible on the pitch. If “words were said” behind closed doors regarding Darwin’s finishing during the 2025 title run, the friction may have become permanent.
* The New Rivalry? Others suggest the rift is with Alexander Isak. Since his record-breaking £125 million move to Anfield, Isak has become the clinical finisher Núñez was expected to be. Could there be room for both in Slot’s system, or is the “ego” Darwin refers to a result of this new pecking order?
The Board’s Dilemma
The Liverpool board, led by Richard Hughes, is reportedly in a “state of shock.” On one hand, Liverpool is currently navigating a difficult 2025/26 campaign, struggling with squad depth as they fight for Champions League qualification. A cut-price return for a 26-year-old Núñez—who is reportedly willing to take a massive pay cut from his £400,000-a-week Saudi salary—is financially tempting.
On the other hand, the board is wary of disrupting a dressing room that just delivered the club’s 20th league title last season.
| Player | Status | 2025/26 Form |
|—|—|—|
| Darwin Núñez | Frozen out at Al-Hilal | 9 Goals (ACL only) |
| Alexander Isak | Liverpool Star | 18 Goals (PL) |
| Hugo Ekitike | Rotation Forward | 6 Goals (PL) |
The “Chaos” Return?
While Tottenham and Newcastle are also hovering, the pull of Anfield remains Darwin’s priority. However, his “it’s him or me” demand puts Arne Slot in an impossible position. Slot has spent the last 18 months cultivating a culture of “calculated calm”—the exact opposite of the whirlwind environment Núñez often brings.
If Liverpool chooses Darwin, they risk losing a cornerstone of their recent success. If they refuse, they watch a former fan favorite potentially join a Premier League rival.
About The Author
