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Fabrizio Romano shares why Liverpool pulled the plug on Darwin Nunez move to Al-Nassr

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 11 February 2025 21:45, UK

Liverpool had a quiet January transfer window, with no new players arriving at Anfield and just a handful of loan exits.

However, things could have been very different had Liverpool decided to twist rather than stick with a key forward amid interest from Al-Nassr.

Speculation was doing the rounds in January regarding the Saudi Pro League and Darwin Nunez, which was denied by SPL sources.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Al-Nassr were close to striking a deal for Nunez, but explained why Liverpool ultimately pulled the plug on a move.

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Fabrizio Romano says Darwin Nunez was close to leaving Liverpool for Al-Nassr

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, explained how Liverpool, Darwin Nunez and Al-Nassr were very close to striking a deal worth around €85million (£71million).

Indeed, Nunez himself was open to the move, but the Reds ultimately pulled the plug on negotiations.

This is because Liverpool’s hierarchy felt it would have hampered Arne Slot’s plans for the rest of the season and because a replacement would have been hard to source in January.

“What al-Nassr did from the beginning of January till day 20,22, 23 – so for more than 20 days – was to negotiate with all parties involved for Darwin Nunez,” said Romano.

“Al-Nassr had two bids on the table for Darwin Nunez and an advanced discussion with Liverpool, also very advanced on player side.

“The money on the table was a very good amount, something that for Liverpool was probably okay on the financial point of view, something around €85million, add-ons included.

“For Darwin, big money, big contract, so the player also open to that kind of move. But it didn’t happen because of one reason – the timing.

“Liverpool till the end were considering this possibility, then they said no, the player is not going to leave because we don’t have a replacement.

“The players we want are not available on the market now and also we are not going to overpay for players who are not top of our list.

“We don’t want to create a problem to the coach Arne Slot, selling an important player like Darwin in January, and so that’s why the deal collapsed.”

How Darwin Nunez has been faring for Liverpool this season

Liverpool are top of the Premier League table, in the Champions League last 16 and in the League Cup final.

With that in mind, makes sense for the Reds hierarchy not to do anything which risks upsetting the balance of the dressing room.

Besides, Nunez has been in good form this season, chipping in with a number of goals and assists despite a relative lack of game time.

Arne Slot said he was “very happy” with Nunez in wake of his vital brace against Brentford.

Nunez’s impact on games cannot be understated either. A number of Liverpool fans believed Nunez’s display against Tottenham was one of his best for the club.

Although Nunez didn’t score, he was alert to win the penalty that turned the tie around and provided a focal point to attack.

Tottenham struggled to cope with Nunez as he created space, held the ball up well, and constantly chased and harried against the Spurs backline.

Nunez also chipped in defensively, making four clearances and two tackles as Spurs failed to make anything of their set pieces.