Darwin Núñez has been tipped for a return to the Premier League, with Chelsea urged to consider a move that could reignite the Uruguayan’s career.
Former Blues defender Marcel Desailly believes the 26-year-old could flourish in the right environment, even comparing his situation to Dennis Bergkamp’s revival after a difficult spell at Inter Milan.
Núñez left Liverpool for Al-Hilal after helping the Reds win the 2024/25 Premier League title, scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances at Anfield. While his time on Merseyside delivered silverware, consistency remained a recurring theme.
Marcel Desailly backs Darwin Núñez Chelsea transfer
Speaking to FootItalia, Desailly argued that Núñez still possesses elite-level qualities and simply requires stability and confidence.
“I would actually recommend Nunez for Chelsea. He’s a very good player, a smart player – he just needs the right environment to perform. 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. It’s like Dennis Bergkamp going to Inter Milan – things went completely wrong.”
— Marcel Desailly, via FootItalia
Desailly suggested that Núñez’s struggles at Liverpool were confidence-driven rather than structural.
“That’s what happened to Nunez at Liverpool. But the quality is still there. He’s at Al-Hilal now and has scored around six goals in 16 matches – not bad at all.” — Marcel Desailly
The comparison with Bergkamp is deliberate. The Dutch forward struggled in Italy before becoming a transformative figure at Arsenal in the mid-1990s.
Why Chelsea could make sense
Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester United, and remain in contention across multiple competitions under Liam Rosenior.
Desailly believes Núñez would benefit from structured support and creative supply lines.
“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. When he makes a run, he needs to get the ball immediately.”
With Cole Palmer operating as Chelsea’s primary creative outlet, the tactical fit has been highlighted as a potential catalyst for revival.
However, it remains too early to suggest negotiations are underway. Núñez is under contract in Saudi Arabia and any return to Europe would depend on valuation, personal terms and Chelsea’s broader summer strategy.
Bigger picture at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are targeting Champions League qualification while progressing in both European and domestic cup competitions. Recruitment decisions will likely be aligned with Rosenior’s tactical identity.
Desailly also addressed speculation around Cole Palmer’s future, suggesting the club must prioritise long-term planning over individual narratives.
Key Insights
- Marcel Desailly has recommended Darwin Núñez to Chelsea.
- Núñez scored 40 goals in 143 games for Liverpool.
- The Uruguayan currently plays for Al-Hilal.
- Comparisons have been drawn with Dennis Bergkamp’s career revival.
- No formal transfer talks have been confirmed.
What’s Next?
Chelsea’s summer window is expected to focus on attacking depth and structural balance. If Núñez pushes for a European return, the Blues may evaluate his profile against alternative options.
Much will depend on whether Chelsea secure Champions League qualification, which would influence both budget and attraction.
Could Darwin Núñez rediscover his best form in London, or is another European destination more likely?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *