Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez with inset of Arne Slot
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez with inset of Arne Slot
TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Napoli have backed out of their talks with Liverpool over Darwin Nunez having turned their attentions elsewhere.
Napoli made a bid for Nunez earlier this month and had agreed personal terms with the Liverpool forward.
Nunez made it clear he wanted to move to the Diego Maradona Stadium and link up with the reigning Serie A champions.
However, Napoli’s bid of just under £50million was rejected with Liverpool looking for around £65million – but Napoli were never going to get to that level.
TBR Football can now confirm which suitors are ready to meet Nunez’s asking price, what the player makes of this potential move, and who Napoli are now looking at as an alternative.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool looks dejected after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Saudi Pro League ready to meet Liverpool’s asking price for Darwin Nunez
Liverpool will now have to seek new suitors for Nunez, with TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey confirming that other interested parties, such as Inter Milan and Juventus, have also opted to go elsewhere.
Napoli have turned their attention to Udinese’s Italian international Lorenzo Lucca and terms have been agreed that will see Lucca move on-loan but with an obligation in a deal worth £30million.
TBR Football can confirm that the Saudi Pro League do have an ongoing interest in Nunez and, crucially for Liverpool, they are ready to meet the Reds’ asking price.
Nunez himself is aware that Liverpool have made it clear he can leave, but it is not certain that he is ready to move to the Middle East.
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What Arne Slot told Darwin Nunez about his future before the end of last season
TBR Football recently revealed that Arne Slot spoke to Nunez at the end of last season regarding his future at Liverpool.
Slot spoke to Nunez at length before the end of last season, at which point he was told that he will not feature prominently going forward.
It is understood there is no ‘bitterness’ on his part and he appreciates Slot and Liverpool for being up front with him.
Nunez would prefer to stay in Europe, with Atletico Madrid previously showing interest in Nunez, or move to MLS in the United States or South America.
However, it is understood that his high cost makes it a difficult option.