Liverpool have Dropped Out of the Race to Sign £21.5m Defender – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Aside as Nathan Zeze Chooses Saudi Switch Over Anfield Move

Liverpool’s defensive revamp has taken a notable hit this week, as reported by TBR Football, who revealed that the Reds have pulled out of a move for French Under-21 international Nathan Zeze following a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC. The highly-rated Nantes defender was seen as a potential replacement for the departed Jarell Quansah, but the Saudi financial power has once again flexed its muscle in the European transfer market.

Zeze Turns Down Premier League for Saudi Payday

TBR Football’s exclusive insight confirms that both Liverpool and Bournemouth were in discussions with Zeze’s camp, but chose not to rival the “huge offer” from Neom SC. “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,” journalist Bailey told TBR Football.

Although the transfer fee of €25 million (£21.5 million) was within reach for Liverpool, it’s understood the personal terms offered by the Saudi club exceeded the financial limits that both Liverpool and Bournemouth were willing to commit to. This development, while not the biggest in financial value, is significant in highlighting the growing threat of the Saudi Pro League to elite European sides.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Depth Now a Priority for Arne Slot

With Quansah already out the door and question marks hanging over the future of Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool’s defensive options are starting to look fragile. Joe Gomez’s injury history remains a concern, and even though Virgil van Dijk continues to perform at a high level, he turns 35 next year.

TBR Football also reported that “Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi” – a player the club has monitored for over a year. Despite Guehi having just 12 months left on his current deal, Palace chairman Steve Parish is reportedly unwilling to lower the asking price, even at the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026.

Who Nathan Zeze Could Have Been for Liverpool

The disappointment around missing out on Zeze stems from his profile and numbers. While still developing offensively, his defensive statistics over the past year paint a clear picture of a reliable centre-back. He ranks in the 92nd percentile for tackles, 78th for interceptions, and a massive 94th percentile for clearances. At just 19, Zeze has already built a reputation in Ligue 1 and was reportedly on the radar of clubs across Europe.

With Liverpool’s need for long-term defensive reinforcements, Zeze could have slotted in as an understudy to Van Dijk while growing into a first-team regular. However, this opportunity now appears closed, at least for the foreseeable future.

Focus Turns to Other Options as Clock Ticks

With the new Premier League season around the corner, the pressure is now on Arne Slot and the recruitment team to secure a viable alternative. Guehi remains a strong option, but the club may need to explore further afield or accelerate youth promotion if they are to avoid being left short at the back once again.

As the transfer window continues, Liverpool’s ability to respond quickly and decisively will be vital in shaping the outcome of their 2025–26 campaign.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This news is a tough one to swallow. While Zeze wasn’t a household name for most Reds fans, those of us tracking his stats saw a young, aggressive ball-winner who could’ve been moulded into a future starter. Missing out on him because of a Saudi offer is frustrating, and honestly, a little worrying. It’s not just about Zeze – it’s about what this says for our ability to compete for emerging talent, especially when we’re already thin in defence.

Jarell Quansah’s sale raised eyebrows, and even more so now that no replacement has been confirmed. Van Dijk cannot be asked to carry the line every week at 35. Gomez has his moments but his fitness remains unreliable. And Konate? The fact he still hasn’t signed a new deal is setting off alarm bells.

Marc Guehi would be a great signing, no doubt, but the price will be high and time is running out. We can’t afford to be reactive this late in the window. It’s hard not to feel like we’ve taken a step back defensively, even after Slot’s title-winning debut season. If we want to compete again at the very top, we need to act decisively – not get left behind while clubs like Neom SC poach our targets.