PA Images/Alamy Images

Struggling star unhappy that Liverpool blocked January move

Originally posted on The Kop Times | By Siddharth Juyal | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 10:12 AM ET

Liverpool star Darwin Nunez wanted to leave the Merseyside club during the January transfer window, according to the new reports. Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal wanted Nunez in January and were willing to pay a big amount for the Uruguayan.

However, Liverpool blocked the deal due to a lack of personnel available to them in case of any potential exit. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has used Diogo Jota as the primary number nine option ahead of Nunez.

However, the Portuguese forward has remained unreliable with his availability due to constant injuries that hampered his whole Liverpool career. Meanwhile, Slot has used Luis Diaz as a makeshift number nine, with Nunez continuously struggling to contribute with goals.

The Liverpool boss has also played a combo of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai according to his tactical need. While Nunez remained a strong option for Slot to call upon, his poor work ethic in recent games drew criticism.

Aside from missing a golden opportunity to score the winner against Aston Villa, Nunez produced a lethargic performance. The 25-year-old usually maintains his high level of work rate, irrespective of the goals he misses, which makes him a fan favourite.

However, Slot highlighted that he will not tolerate poor work ethic even if the Dutchman has tolerance for the misses. According to Football Insider, Nunez wanted to leave Liverpool in January and is unhappy about his current predicament.

The 25-year-old is the front-runner for the players who would potentially leave the club next summer. Meanwhile, Liverpool are linked with numerous big stars as the forward options, which include Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

The Reds used the current season for Slot to assess the team he inherited from the legendary Jurgen Klopp. Despite not adding more than Federico Chiesa in the summer, Liverpool have enjoyed incredible success and fast transition under Slot.

The forward department remains the priority position for Slot next summer, as Liverpool fans anticipate a busy window. Rest assured, Nunez’s time at the club looks likely to end with hope that the club will recuperate most of the amount they paid for him to Benfica.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: