Liverpool Rejected Two Al-Nassr Bids for Darwin Nunez in January

Liverpool reportedly turned down two significant offers from Saudi club Al-Nassr for Darwin Nunez during the January transfer window. The second bid exceeded £62 million, as Al-Nassr sought to pair the Uruguayan striker with Cristiano Ronaldo in their attack. Negotiations reached an advanced stage, and the Saudi club remained hopeful of securing the transfer if Liverpool agreed to sell.

However, the Reds’ reluctance to part with Nunez wasn’t primarily financial. While the offer was close to their valuation, the club hesitated due to the lack of a suitable attacking replacement before the window closed. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that any last-minute signing to replace Nunez would likely require a premium payment, making a deal unfeasible.

Despite Nunez’s inconsistency since joining from Benfica for £85 million in 2022—scoring 24 goals in 83 appearances—Liverpool continue to value his presence in the squad. His performances have been mixed, with 21 big chances missed in the 2022-23 season and 27 the following season. This campaign, he has recorded six goals and four assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot sees Nunez as a crucial part of his tactical plans. While acknowledging his struggles in front of goal, Slot emphasized the striker’s impressive work rate and impact on the team. “If you only focus on goals, he hasn’t scored as many as he wishes, or that we expect from a striker, but his work rate is impactful,” Slot stated.

With Liverpool aiming for multiple trophies in Slot’s debut season, the club decided to retain Nunez, believing in his potential and contribution to the team’s attacking structure. However, his future may be reassessed in the summer, depending on his performances and potential incoming transfer offers.