Exclusive: Darwin Nunez ‘unhappy’ as Liverpool block transfer talks
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez wanted to quit the club in the January transfer window and was unhappy a potential deal was blocked, sources have told Football Insider.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal were willing to pay huge money for Nunez, 25, and he wanted to hold talks.
However, it is believed Liverpool would not grant the Uruguay international permission to discuss the terms of a move.
Sources say Nunez is unhappy about that decision – but is likely to be given the green light for a summer transfer.
Liverpool blocked Saudi talks for Nunez in January
The striker has come under fire in recent weeks from Liverpool boss Arne Slot over his work rate.
Additionally, Nunez has managed just six goals and five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for the Reds this term.
He is under contract at Anfield until June 2028 after joining the club from Benfica in 2022 for a potential fee of £85million.
| Appearances (Starts) | 36 (16) |
| Minutes Played | 1713 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Yellow Cards | 7 |
Nunez has scored just 39 goals in 132 games for Liverpool since arriving and is behind the likes of Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz in the pecking order.
But Liverpool were unwilling to allow him to leave mid-season while Slot’s side chase success in the Premier League, League Cup and Champions League.
Liverpool could launch Isak part-exchange bid
Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle star Alexander Isak is seen as “perfect” for Liverpool and is the “number one centre-forward target” for Slot and the club’s recruitment team.
As such, it is believed Liverpool will try to tempt Newcastle by offering Nunez in part-exchange for the 25-year-old this summer.
Isak is valued at £100million-plus at Newcastle, where he is under contract until June 2028.
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