Liverpool’s summer time switch plans may hinge on the way forward for Darwin Nunez, with stories confirming concrete curiosity from Saudi Arabia. Whereas Al-Nassr failed of their January pursuit, a contemporary method in the summertime stays a risk. Nonetheless, Liverpool’s stance stays agency: Nunez will solely be allowed to go away if an acceptable substitute is secured.
Saudi Curiosity in Nunez is Actual however Measured
Ben Jacobs of has clarified the character of Saudi Arabia’s curiosity in Nunez, dispelling stories {that a} £70m bid from Al-Hilal was ever on the desk. As an alternative, Al-Nassr made a verbal supply of round £58m, which Liverpool swiftly rejected. As Jacobs explains, “There may be concrete curiosity from Saudi for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez and extra presents may arrive this summer time after Al-Nassr’s failed January pursuit of him.”
Saudi golf equipment have proven they’re keen to spend massive however are additionally demonstrating a extra calculated method. Whereas there have been some inflated charges—comparable to Jhon Duran’s £65m transfer—the consensus is that Nunez’s valuation might want to align with their evaluation of market worth.
Liverpool’s Stance: Substitute First, Sale Second
Liverpool’s place on Nunez is evident: the Uruguayan won’t be bought until a substitute is lined up. “Liverpool will nonetheless solely let Nunez go if they convey in a substitute, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro one title on their radar,” notes Jacobs.
The membership’s reluctance to dump him mid-season was as a consequence of their aggressive commitments. Nonetheless, the summer time presents a special situation. Whereas Nunez has struggled for consistency, his uncooked attributes nonetheless make him an asset. Liverpool are assessing choices, and Joao Pedro’s title continues to floor as a possible successor. The Brighton ahead has impressed, although negotiating with the Seagulls is rarely easy.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is one other admired determine at Anfield, however as Jacobs highlights, a transfer stays unlikely as a consequence of Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations and their reluctance to promote to home rivals.
Nunez’s Future: Is He Open to Leaving?
Whereas Nunez has but to publicly specific a need to go away, the report signifies he’s open to a Saudi change. “The indication from sources is that Nunez is open to a transfer to Saudi, albeit extra so on the finish of this season than in January as a consequence of Liverpool difficult on a number of fronts for silverware,” TEAMtalk stories.
With Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz forward of him within the pecking order, a summer time departure is possible. Liverpool’s willingness to take heed to presents, mixed with Saudi’s persistent curiosity, suggests this could possibly be one of many main switch tales of the window.
Our View – Anfield Index
Liverpool followers may have blended emotions about this potential transfer. On the one hand, Nunez has been a irritating determine—able to brilliance however equally susceptible to wastefulness. His chaotic enjoying fashion is divisive, and a few imagine the membership may reinvest well if a major payment is acquired.
Nonetheless, dropping him with no correct substitute could be reckless. Joao Pedro is proficient however unproven on the highest stage.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s rising affect within the switch market raises considerations about European golf equipment changing into overly reliant on their spending energy. Liverpool should dictate their phrases and be sure that if Nunez departs, the squad is strengthened relatively than weakened.