It seems Liverpool got closer to selling Darwin Nunez in the January transfer window than perhaps most realised.
The Uruguayan international was said to have been heavily courted by Saudi suitors in the timeframe in question.
However, with Liverpool embroiled in a four-pronged pursuit of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, and Premier League, practicalities had to be considered.
The former Benfica striker has 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists) in 32 games (all competitions) in the 2024/25 season.
Liverpool rejected down the Saudi proposal for Darwin Nunez.
In terms of Nunez’s future at Liverpool, the campaign’s needs clearly took precedence.
Transfer news analyst Fabrizio Romano has disclosed on X (previously Twitter) that Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr’made two bids’ for the No.9.
Worryingly, a ‘agreement’ of sorts was allegedly’ very close’ before we decided to drop out of the arrangement due to’respect for Slot[‘s] ambitions’.
Could Nunez be off in the summer?
Despite a strong performance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, Nunez has struggled to adjust to Arne Slot’s new style of play and demands at Liverpool.
The former Penarol star’s goal contribution rate has plummeted to one goal or assist every 149 minutes this season, which is particularly concerning. This is a significant reduction from his 2023/24 average of one goal every 97.61 minutes.
Yes, the load of goals is undoubtedly on Mo Salah’s shoulders, but Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota have also demonstrated their ability to contribute beyond the Egyptian.
However, unless his numbers significantly improve, we believe the club will want to offload him in the summer.
Particularly if there is a need to fill Salah’s sizable boots at the conclusion of the season.
