Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed the reason why Liverpool did not sell Darwin Nunez to Al Nassr.

Liverpool fans might not have realized just how close Darwin Nunez came to leaving in January.

Al Nassr pushed hard to sign the Uruguayan striker, hoping to pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club made two big offers, with the second exceeding €75 million plus add-ons.

Why Liverpool struggled to break down Plymouth Argyle	Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool man almost left in January	and#8216;It makes senseand#8217; and#8211; Liverpool told they would make a £72m saving by paying Mo Salah £500k-a-week

They weren’t just testing the waters, talks were serious.

Romano revealed that “more than three direct rounds of talks took place between Núñez and Al Nassr.”

The Saudi club was confident of getting the green light from the player.

Personal terms were discussed, and every contract detail was nearly finalized.

Liverpool had a decision to make.

The bid was close to their valuation, and selling could have freed up funds for future transfers.

But when the window closed, Nunez was still at Anfield.

So, why did Liverpool turn down a lucrative deal?

Fabrizio Romano reveals why Liverpool did not sell Darwin Nunez to Al Nassr

It wasn’t about money.

Romano made it clear: “The real issue was the replacement.”

Liverpool simply didn’t have time to find another striker of the same quality in January.

The club saw this season as a huge opportunity to challenge for the Premier League and make a deep Champions League run.

Selling Nunez mid-season, without a trusted replacement, was too risky.

“There were basically no strikers available on the market of those who are part of Liverpool’s shortlist,” Romano explained.

If Arsenal’s struggles to sign a No.

9 are any indication, quality strikers weren’t easy to find.

Liverpool also wanted to back new manager Arne Slot.

“Anfield chiefs also respect Arne Slot’s excellent work so far,” Romano added.

The club wanted stability, not rushed decisions.

In the end, Al Nassr had to look elsewhere, signing Jhon Duran instead.

But Liverpool will reassess Nunez’s future in the summer.

This story isn’t over yet.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone?
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.