Liverpool forward was close to Saudi move in January | OneFootball

Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez was close to leaving Anfield in January, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan has struggled since joining from Benfica in the summer of 2022 and has managed just seven goals for the Reds this season.

“According to my information, Darwin was already very open to joining Al Nassr in January. He was ready to say yes to Saudi, ready to say yes to the project, but Liverpool decided to keep him in the squad and not change anything,” Romano revealed.

He further explained Liverpool's stance, stating, “There was no player available in January that fit their transfer targets. They have a list for the summer, but those players weren’t available, so Liverpool opted against investing in a player they didn’t fully trust at that time and decided to wait.”

Despite speculation over his future, former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes Núñez still has control over his fate at Anfield.

“If you know Arne Slot, he will have pushed Darwin every day to get the best out of him, and he will never stop doing that,” Kuyt said. “Ultimately, the player decides for himself whether he will play or not because he has to perform.”

Kuyt acknowledged the pressure on Núñez, adding, “He pushes himself very hard. Sometimes he does well, sometimes he doesn’t score the goals he wants, and that makes things difficult because the pressure is so big.”

Núñez, who has faced both praise and criticism from head coach Arne Slot, remains determined to improve.The forward is among 18 Liverpool players currently on international duty for UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers. Speaking to Uruguayan media outlet El País, he admitted to struggling with consistency.

“I know I’m not performing as well as I should. It’s difficult because when you’re doing well, like when I came on against PSG, your confidence changes,” he said. “But then you hit a slump. Still, I’m always there to help my teammates and return to the national team.”