LIVE
...

Follow us on

Exclusives

Liverpool miss out on Jarell Quansah replacement after ‘huge offer’ from Saudi Pro League

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Liverpool have pulled out of a move for an “incredible” replacement for Jarell Quansah due to a “huge offer” from the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool have bolstered their ranks considerably this summer and there is still scope for more reinforcements in order to build on last season.

The Reds have also been busy on the outgoings front, with the likes of Luis Diaz and Quansah moving on.

Liverpool are looking at strengthening their defensive ranks, but one target is now out of reach due to the Saudi Pro League’s financial muscle.

Nathan Zeze playing for Nantes.
Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images

Liverpool back off Nathan Zeze amid ‘huge offer’ from Neom SC

TBR Football understands that Liverpool and Bournemouth both opted not to match Neom SC’s offer for Nantes defender Nathan Zeze.

Zeze, as we have previously reported, was a genuine player of interest to a host of Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are in the market for a new defender having sold Jarell Quansah, while Bournemouth still haven’t signed their replacement for Dean Huijsen.

Liverpool and Bournemouth were both in touch with the player’s entourage as Spanish giants Valencia made a move.

We understand both English clubs were open to a move for the French Under-21 star.

However, Zeze at the same time received what sources have confirmed is a ‘huge offer’ from Saudi Pro League new boys Neom SC and he has now agreed terms with them.

Nantes have agreed an overall deal worth €25million (£21.5million) – which in theory the European clubs would have matched.

However, the terms on offer in Saudi have pushed him beyond what they were willing to do.

“Neom are making waves following their promotion, but this deal has caught many in Europe by surprise,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.

“He is a player on the brink of the France senior squad, who could have moved to England or Spain, but he has opted for Saudi.

“Although not huge in terms of finances, this is a very big deal for the Saudi Pro League.”

READ MORE: How much Alexander Isak will earn at Liverpool after reaching contract agreement

StatisticPer 90Percentile
Non-Penalty Goals019
npxG: Non-Penalty xG0.0215
Shots Total0.3626
Assists027
xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals03
npxG + xAG0.024
Shot-Creating Actions0.623
Passes Attempted51.1335
Pass Completion %85.80%36
Progressive Passes2.7437
Progressive Carries0.125
Successful Take-Ons0.1851
Touches (Att Pen)0.368
Progressive Passes Rec01
Tackles2.2692
Interceptions1.3778
Blocks1.3160
Clearances7.1494
Aerials Won1.6734
Nathan Zeze stats over past 365 days compared to other centre-backs ()

Who Liverpool could move for instead

Virgil van Dijk turns 35 next year, while Ibrahima Konate is currently stalling on a new contract with his deal expiring in less than 12 months.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez’s fitness record is somewhat patchy, making it hard for Arne Slot to rely on him, and obviously Quansah has been sold.

With that in mind, Liverpool could really do with reinforcements – and they have their eyes on one of the nation’s best.

Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who has made a real name for himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

TBR Football understand Liverpool have tracked Guehi for over 12 months and remain keen on signing the 25-year-old.

However, despite just 12 months left on his contract, Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish will not allow him to be sold for a cut-price deal – even if that means losing him for free next summer.