Brighton star on Liverpool’s radar as club considers summer reshuffle | OneFootball

Report: Liverpool Reject Saudi Offer for Darwin Nunez as Joao Pedro Emerges as Option

Liverpool’s transfer strategy is set for another pivotal summer, with Darwin Nunez’s future increasingly uncertain. TeamTalk reports that Al-Nassr expressed concrete interest in the Uruguayan forward, though their January approach was swiftly rejected by the Reds.

Initial reports suggested that Liverpool had turned down a £70 million bid from Al-Hilal, but sources now clarify that no such formal offer was made. Instead, Al-Nassr submitted a verbal proposal of around £58 million, which was swiftly dismissed. Despite Saudi Arabia’s reputation for inflated fees, their clubs appear to be more cautious with valuations, and they are unwilling to overpay significantly for Nunez.

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Nunez Open to a Summer Exit

According to insiders, Nunez is open to a move to Saudi Arabia, albeit at the end of the season rather than in January, as Liverpool were still in contention for silverware on multiple fronts. Currently behind Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah in Arne Slot’s pecking order, a summer departure is now seen as more likely.

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However, a transfer will only materialise if Liverpool secure a suitable replacement. Brighton’s Joao Pedro has emerged as a key target, with the Brazilian forward admired by the club’s recruitment team.

Joao Pedro as a Potential Replacement

Liverpool’s admiration for Pedro is clear, though a deal remains complex. Brighton are notoriously difficult negotiators, particularly with players under long-term contracts, and much will depend on their European qualification and financial standing at the end of the season.

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Despite links to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, sources suggest there has been no formal approach. Liverpool and Arsenal admire the Swedish forward, but Newcastle’s potential Champions League qualification could make a deal nearly impossible.

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For now, Liverpool’s focus is on securing contract extensions for key players, including Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. Should Salah remain at Anfield, Liverpool may not feel as urgent a need for a prolific striker given his continued goal output.

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For Liverpool supporters, the prospect of selling Nunez is both frustrating and familiar. Once again, the club appears open to offloading a player without first securing an elite-level replacement. While Joao Pedro is a talented forward, he lacks the physicality and presence Nunez offers, raising questions about whether he would be a significant upgrade.

The price point is another concern. Selling Nunez for around £60 million and paying a premium for Pedro could be a questionable move, particularly given Brighton’s ability to drive up transfer fees. If Liverpool are serious about replacing Nunez with quality, fans would expect a more established name—someone capable of producing in high-pressure situations.

Moreover, the situation surrounding Salah’s contract adds another layer of uncertainty. If he remains, the need for an out-and-out striker diminishes. But should he leave, Liverpool would require not just a forward, but a top-tier goal scorer to fill the void.

There’s also the broader concern of Liverpool’s squad-building strategy. The club needs reinforcement in midfield and defence, yet attention seems to be drifting towards another complex forward signing. If Liverpool wish to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal, their transfer dealings must be more decisive.

For now, fans are left waiting. Will Liverpool push forward with an aggressive summer strategy, or will they once again prioritise financial caution over squad ambition?