Nunez had been linked with a move away from Liverpool, but no deal materialised despite interest from clubs in the Middle East.
However, an update from Fabrizio Romano revealed that Al Nassr came "very close" to matching Liverpool's valuation of the Uruguayan forward. The club ultimately rejected the offer, citing a lack of replacement options and a desire to stick to Slot's plans for the team.
🚨🔴 Al Nassr made two bids for Darwin Nunez in January, 'financial' agreement was very close between all parties involved…
…then Liverpool rejected: no replacement, no plans to overpay, respect for Slot plans, busy summer ahead.
More @GiveMeSport ⤵️ https://t.co/98VxgfXSc2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2025
Liverpool fans were hoping Nunez would be sold in the January window amid links to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, the Georgian winger ultimately joined Paris Saint-Germain, and the Reds made no formal approach for him.
revealed that Liverpool were open to offers for Nunez, but it seems they were unwilling to sell the striker without securing a replacement first.
The forward has been in and out of the team this season, making just seven Premier League starts. However, he has still been heavily involved, appearing in 32 matches across all competitions.
Nunez has scored just six goals during that time, providing five assists. He has shown moments of brilliance, such as his two late goals against Brentford, but his inconsistency has frustrated fans and the coach resulting in his limited game time.
Liverpool supporters criticised sporting director Richard Hughes earlier this season, and this latest update has once again sparked anger among the fanbase.
Despite Nunez's recent goals, manager Slot has not trusted him with a regular starting role, as shown by the forward being benched against Plymouth in the FA Cup.
He was brought on as a substitute, but Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to the struggling Championship side, resulting in a major cup upset and an early exit from the FA Cup.
Fans were understandably frustrated, but the news that Nunez could have been sold for a significant fee in January only fuelled further criticism of Hughes and the board.
One fan said: "Hughes is shambolic" while another echoed the sentiment, calling him "one of the worst sporting directors we've ever had."
Hughes is shambolic. Another X on his name.
Gyokeres was right there and we didn't even have to spend a penny. Infact we would've SAVED money 😭😭😭
— Retro™️ (@LFCRetro_) February 11, 2025
So Hughes admitting he's not upto the job then
— Cinema Pongolle (@PongolleCinema) February 11, 2025
Edward's and Hughes need to find shame for rejecting that
— Andrew (@andrewlaniganla) February 11, 2025
If he is still here after the summer every single board member has to be sacked
— preLFC (@Liquidpool8) February 11, 2025
Lol Richard Hughes gave up when he realised he'd have to do some work
— Stir Fry #66 in a Wok (@LGBTNorthKorea) February 11, 2025
Let's be honest, Darwin Núñez is a £40m striker. Richard Hughes had a golden opportunity in January when the Saudis offered £80m, yet he still couldn't find a single striker in the world capable of matching Darwin's four goals.
— Iamnoonoo (@IamNooNoo) February 11, 2025
Can't sell a player can't sign a player can't convince a player and can't sign any contracts in a whole season that's Richard Hughes if he was at any other club he would be sacked his tenure has been abysmal slot saved their blushes big time
— Jdlfc (@JordanDelurey) February 11, 2025
They've got Duran now so that's as good as over … cannot for the life of me see why Richard Hughes still has a job
— Jdlfc (@JordanDelurey) February 11, 2025
The post Liverpool fans erupt at 'shambolic' Richard Hughes after Darwin Nunez exit news appeared first on Football Insider.
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