Desailly Advocates for Premier League Return of Darwin Nunez
Football legend Marcel Desailly has publicly urged Chelsea and Manchester United to consider signing former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who departed the Premier League last summer in a £46 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Desailly, a Chelsea great, believes the 26-year-old Uruguayan international still possesses significant untapped potential and would thrive back in English football.
Nunez's Current Situation and Future Uncertainty
Since joining Al-Hilal, Nunez has made 24 appearances, scoring nine goals, but his future at the Saudi Pro League side has become uncertain following the arrival of Karim Benzema from rivals Al-Ittihad. Saudi clubs are restricted to registering only eight foreign players born before 2023 in their 25-man squads, leading to Nunez being sidelined to accommodate the veteran French striker. While he remains eligible for AFC Champions League matches, Nunez will play no further role in the domestic league campaign this season, fueling speculation about a return to Europe.
Reports have linked Tottenham Hotspur with interest in the striker, but Desailly has specifically highlighted Chelsea and Manchester United as ideal destinations. "I'm pleased to see him wanting to come back to European football – it shows money isn't everything," Desailly stated in an interview with Footitalia. "A club like Chelsea, or the new Manchester United, would be best for him."
Desailly's Analysis of Nunez's Needs and Potential
Desailly emphasized that Nunez requires a supportive environment with confident, established players to unlock his abilities. "He needs to be surrounded by established, confident players who know they're going to play every weekend and who will give him the ball on the first intention," he explained. "That's the small detail – when he makes a run, he needs to get the ball immediately. Otherwise he loses confidence quickly."
Comparing Nunez's early struggles at Liverpool to those of football icons Dennis Bergkamp and Roberto Carlos, Desailly remains convinced of his quality. "I would actually recommend Núñez for Chelsea. He's a very good player, a smart player – he just needs the right environment to perform," he said. "When Liverpool identified his potential they knew what they had statistically. But when you start on a bad note, the confidence disappears and the consideration from those around you follows."
Desailly elaborated, "It's like Dennis Bergkamp going to Inter Milan – things went completely wrong. Or Roberto Carlos in his early days, shooting the ball into the stands. The confidence wasn't there. That's what happened to Núñez at Liverpool. But the quality is still there."
Broader Context and Transfer Speculation
The recommendation comes amid ongoing transfer rumors, with Nunez reportedly keen on a European comeback. Desailly's endorsement adds weight to the possibility of a Premier League return, particularly for clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, which are under the management of Michael Carrick and seeking attacking reinforcements. The striker's experience in the Premier League, albeit mixed during his time at Liverpool, could make him a valuable asset if he regains form and confidence.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Desailly's insights highlight Nunez as a player with proven talent who may benefit from a fresh start in a supportive squad. Whether Chelsea or Manchester United will act on this advice remains to be seen, but the discussion underscores the ongoing intrigue surrounding high-profile player movements and the strategic decisions facing top clubs.
