Report: Premier League Forwards on Liverpool’s Radar as Nunez Future Remains Uncertain | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez’s Future: Liverpool’s Reluctance and Saudi’s Interest

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans could hinge on the future of Darwin Nunez, with reports confirming concrete interest from Saudi Arabia. While Al-Nassr failed in their January pursuit, a fresh approach in the summer remains a possibility. However, Liverpool’s stance remains firm: Nunez will only be allowed to leave if a suitable replacement is secured.

Saudi Interest in Nunez is Real but Measured

Ben Jacobs of TEAMtalk has clarified the nature of Saudi Arabia’s interest in Nunez, dispelling reports that a £70m bid from Al-Hilal was ever on the table. Instead, Al-Nassr made a verbal offer of around £58m, which Liverpool swiftly rejected. As Jacobs explains, “There is concrete interest from Saudi for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez and more offers could arrive this summer after Al-Nassr’s failed January pursuit of him.”

Saudi clubs have shown they are willing to spend big but are also demonstrating a more calculated approach. While there have been some inflated fees—such as Jhon Duran’s £65m move—the consensus is that Nunez’s valuation will need to align with their assessment of market value.

Liverpool’s Stance: Replacement First, Sale Second

Liverpool’s position on Nunez is clear: the Uruguayan will not be sold unless a replacement is lined up. “Liverpool will still only let Nunez go if they bring in a replacement, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro one name on their radar,” notes Jacobs.

The club’s reluctance to offload him mid-season was due to their competitive commitments. However, the summer offers a different scenario. While Nunez has struggled for consistency, his raw attributes still make him an asset. Liverpool are assessing options, and Joao Pedro’s name continues to surface as a potential successor. The Brighton forward has impressed, though negotiating with the Seagulls is never straightforward.

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is another admired figure at Anfield, but as Jacobs highlights, a move remains unlikely due to Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations and their reluctance to sell to domestic rivals.

Nunez’s Future: Is He Open to Leaving?

While Nunez has yet to publicly express a desire to leave, the report indicates he is open to a Saudi switch. “The indication from sources is that Nunez is open to a move to Saudi, albeit more so at the end of this season than in January due to Liverpool challenging on multiple fronts for silverware,” TEAMtalk reports.

With Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz ahead of him in the pecking order, a summer departure is feasible. Liverpool’s willingness to listen to offers, combined with Saudi’s persistent interest, suggests this could be one of the major transfer stories of the window.

Our View – Anfield Index

Liverpool fans will have mixed feelings about this potential move. On the one hand, Nunez has been a frustrating figure—capable of brilliance but equally prone to wastefulness. His chaotic playing style is divisive, and some believe the club could reinvest smartly if a significant fee is received.

However, losing him without a proper replacement would be reckless. Joao Pedro is talented but unproven at the highest level.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the transfer market raises concerns about European clubs becoming overly reliant on their spending power. Liverpool must dictate their terms and ensure that if Nunez departs, the squad is strengthened rather than weakened.