Downey and Davis Dissect Saudi Bids for Diaz as Transfer Window Heats Up | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Transfer Tug-of-War: Saudi Millions, Diaz Dilemmas and Nunez Nuances

Diaz in Demand: Al-Nassr’s Eye-Watering Offer

Liverpool may be about to face an aggressive bid from Saudi Arabia for one of their key players. As revealed by Dave Davis during The Transfer Show on Anfield Index, a major Saudi move is unfolding: “Al-Nassr are prepared to offer 85 million euros plus for Luis Diaz,” he stated, referencing a report by journalist Ben Jacobs.

The news emerged live during the podcast, courtesy of a tip-off from Mo Muhamad, prompting Trev Downey to note the excitement: “That’s exciting… anything that breaks in the show is good.” However, the question remains, does Diaz want to be a player marked with an 85 million euro price tag, especially for a move to the Saudi Pro League?

Davis added context by revealing that Al-Nassr are casting their net wider than Diaz. “They’ve also contacted PSG over their winger Kang-in Lee… and quite a few of the Saudi clubs are looking at Leon Bailey at Aston Villa.”

Darwin Nunez: Pressure and Progress

While there was no transfer link directly involving Darwin Nunez on this occasion, the show reinforced Liverpool’s commitment to building a stronger side under Arne Slot. The focus on attacking reinforcements and the potential exits of players like Diaz naturally elevates Nunez’s role heading into the new season.

Nunez’s position becomes more pivotal should Diaz leave. With Saudi clubs throwing money around, Trev offered a broader view on the landscape: “It will be interesting to see how much gets done in the next 24 hours, but also how much does the Saudi money change the landscape this summer.”

Saudi Pursuit: Madness or Market Power?

Dave Davis didn’t mince words on the Saudi strategy: “Al-Hilal are trying to do a madness in the next 24 hours… they are just putting rooks of money up in front of people.” Trev echoed the absurdity of it all: “Osimhen turned down the best part of three quarters of a million pounds a week… just absolutely insane.”

The pair discussed how Saudi clubs are now known for relentless bidding. “Five offers they made to Osimhen,” Dave revealed, highlighting Al-Hilal’s desperation. While many stars like Theo Hernandez and Viktor Gyökeres have turned down Saudi approaches, the sheer scale of the pursuit is hard to ignore.

Liverpool’s Wider Strategy and Arne Slot’s Task

With Arne Slot in charge, Liverpool are navigating this summer with renewed focus. Davis touched on Bayern Munich’s alleged interest in signing a winger: “Gakpo’s been linked… they’re trying for Nico Williams… Raphinha also linked.” All this underscores the fact that Liverpool may have to ward off interest in their own wide players while plotting who fits Slot’s system best.

In Trev Downey’s words, “You kind of feel [Liverpool] knew [Bayern] never had the money for Florian Wirtz in the first place,” hinting at sharp insight from the Reds’ negotiating team. The episode closed with Davis suggesting fans stay alert: “If anything does happen in those 24 hours, Dave and I will be back with you to talk it through.”