Chelsea have been major players in the transfer market in recent seasons, but calls are growing louder for one more bold move. Former club legend and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has urged the Blues to sign former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, describing him as the “perfect” addition to Enzo Maresca’s evolving squad.
Desailly argued that Núñez has unfinished business in Europe and the qualities to thrive under Maresca’s tactical system. He said the Uruguayan forward, though unlucky during his spell at Liverpool, still possesses the raw potential that first convinced the Reds to sign him for a record fee.
According to the Frenchman, the 26-year-old would thrive in west London’s new structure: “Darwin Núñez, for me, would be perfect. Spot on. Young, powerful, and still improving. If Saudi Arabia is not suiting him correctly, he could be the one that comes back.”
The call highlights Chelsea’s ambition to return to the top of English and European football — and a player like Núñez could be the spark needed to complete Maresca’s vision.
Núñez’s Journey: From Record Signing to Saudi Arabia
Darwin Núñez’s career has already seen several dramatic turns. After making waves at Benfica, Liverpool signed him in 2022 for an initial £64 million, potentially rising to £86 million with add-ons. The expectations were sky-high, and though Núñez showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled for consistency. Over two seasons, he scored 40 goals in 143 games — respectable, but short of the elite level Liverpool fans had hoped for.
In the summer of 2025, Núñez made a surprise move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia for around £46 million, with the deal potentially reaching £56 million. There, he quickly adapted, registering four goals and two assists in his first seven appearances. Playing alongside big names like Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly, Núñez has settled well in the Middle East.
Still, at 26, the striker remains in his prime. A return to Europe — particularly to a competitive club like Chelsea — would make sense both for the player’s ambitions and for a team looking for a reliable finisher with proven experience at the top level.
Why Maresca’s System Could Unleash Núñez
Manager Enzo Maresca has already brought structure and confidence back to Stamford Bridge. His philosophy — built on quick transitions, positional play, and attacking fluidity — could be the perfect match for a striker like Núñez, who thrives on pace, movement, and aggressive pressing.
Chelsea’s summer signings of Liam Delap and João Pedro were meant to boost the frontline, but both have faced challenges. Delap has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Pedro’s form has dipped after a strong start. Núñez could provide the missing balance — a blend of power, experience, and goal threat that would give Maresca more tactical flexibility.
Desailly believes that under Maresca’s guidance, Núñez could rediscover his best form. The manager’s ability to nurture attacking players could help the Uruguayan overcome the confidence issues that limited his Liverpool spell. In a more controlled and possession-driven setup, Núñez could finally unlock the consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
The Financial and Market Equation
Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy has focused on young talent and long-term potential, but the need for proven performers is becoming clear. Núñez could represent a smart compromise — a player still young enough to grow, yet with significant experience in top leagues and international football.
His current valuation in Saudi Arabia makes him more accessible than he was during his Premier League peak. Compared to his £86 million Liverpool price tag, a deal in the current market could be more financially reasonable for Chelsea. Desailly even suggested that Núñez “would not be too expensive” given his current situation.
However, Chelsea’s recruitment team will need to navigate several challenges, including the financial implications of Saudi contracts and competition from other European clubs. Timing will be key — a January move could be realistic if Al Hilal are open to negotiations and the player is eager to return to Europe.
What Núñez Could Bring to Chelsea’s Ambitions
For Chelsea, signing Núñez would be more than just another transfer — it would be a statement of intent. Maresca guided the Blues to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup success last season, but many analysts still feel the team lacks the consistency to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League.
Adding a dynamic striker like Núñez could help address that gap. His physicality, work rate, and ability to stretch defences would complement Chelsea’s young attacking core and give the team a more ruthless edge in front of goal. With players like Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, and Raheem Sterling providing creativity, Núñez could thrive as the final piece of Maresca’s attacking puzzle.
Desailly believes the squad has the talent but still needs more experience and composure. Bringing in a forward who has competed in both the Premier League and international tournaments could help bridge that gap and elevate the team’s mentality.
The Risks and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimism, signing Núñez would not come without risks. His time at Liverpool showed moments of inconsistency, and he often struggled under pressure. Chelsea would need to ensure the environment and system around him are supportive enough to bring out his best.
The club must also balance its squad development carefully. Over-investment in attack without addressing defensive depth or midfield balance could upset the team’s progress. Maresca’s challenge will be to integrate any new addition without disrupting the cohesion of the current group.
Still, the potential reward outweighs the risk. Núñez is a proven goal scorer with pace, power, and hunger — the kind of forward who could thrive in the right system. For Chelsea, the chance to sign a player of his quality and experience at a potentially reduced cost may be too tempting to ignore.
