Liverpool pulled major sale after ‘close’ Al-Nassr agreement – Fabrizio Romano
Liverpool could have sanctioned a major sale to Al-Nassr in the final days of the winter transfer window.
The Reds remained quiet for a second consecutive window, leading to supporters unleashing their wrath on Richard Hughes as Manchester City spent close to £170million to salvage what remains of their Premier League campaign.
Arne Slot is working wonders in his maiden year at Anfield – despite suffering a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, the Reds are into the Carabao Cup final for a second consecutive year.
Furthermore, the Dutchman can move nine points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League with a win in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday (12 February).
However, Liverpool could have been tempted to enter the transfer market in the final days of the window after a major proposal had arrived at Anfield.
Arne Slot stopped Darwin Nunez sale to Al-Nassr
The 25-year-old underwent crunch talks with Slot in January to determine how the forward fits into the long-term vision at Anfield after another underwhelming campaign.
Nunez has mustered only four goals and two assists in 18 Premier League appearances this term, with his first team involvement only arriving in the absence of Diogo Jota.
Although Jota could also be on the chopping block this summer, after frustrating Slot throughout the season [Anfield Watch], Nunez generated the most transfer interest.
The Uruguayan is a beloved figure among the Reds faithful, who appreciate his hard work ethic on the pitch. However, his lack of development since arriving in England, paired with his lack of goal involvement, is a huge cause for concern.
As first reported by David Ornstein (29 January), Al-Nassr were preparing a move for Nunez towards the end of the transfer window prior to their big-money acquisition of Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared the full details regarding the move via X (11 February), revealing why Slot turned down the move after Al-Nassr came “close” to finalising the formalities.
“Al Nassr made two bids for Darwin Nunez in January, ‘financial’ agreement was very close between all parties involved. Then Liverpool rejected: no replacement, no plans to overpay, respect for Slot plans, busy summer ahead.”
Liverpool should sell Darwin Nunez
The Reds are on track for a potential treble-winning campaign under Slot, and this is mostly due to Mohamed Salah’s efforts.
Cody Gakpo has also helped carry the goal-scoring burden at Anfield, but the rest of the forwards have failed to live up to expectations.
Even, Luis Diaz has been abysmal – he started the season on fire with five goals in his opening five Premier League outings but has reverted back to type after failing to make a notable impact in the 1-0 loss against Plymouth Argyle (9 February).
Therefore, the Reds could have a new-look frontline on the horizon, but given the current state of the transfer market, the rebuild will not come cheap.
Jamie Carragher mooted a move for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak in the summer if Liverpool wins the Premier League title.
With 17 goals in 22 outings in the league thus far, signing the Swedish international to replace Nunez would represent a significant upgrade.
Al-Nassr may no longer be in the market for a striker, but Slot should bite the hand of anyone interested in taking Nunez off his hands.