Al Nassr finally signed a striker. It will be a promising Premier League star Jhon Duran, who arrived to Saudi Arabia in a 77 million euros move from Aston Villa. Many European clubs were lurking the youngster but only few were able to pay the sum. But when Al Nassr came in, they just upped both the price of the deal and his salary, and all other suitors moved aside, and Duran is already set for life. But, it’s not like Al Nassr only had the Colombian striker on their sights. Before and after his signature, reports emerged about other strikers who were called first, but the deals weren’t agreed, for various reasons.🚨 Darwin Nunez wanted to speak with Al-Nassr before they signed Jhon Duran but Liverpool told them the striker was not for sale at any price. (Source: @TheSunFootball) pic.twitter.com/cUHBCYu1ot— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 1, 2025 According to The Sun, Darwin Nunez was the primary target for the Saudi club, which already has one fomer Liverpool player, Sadio Mane. So far, the reports mention Victor Boniface, who was the most likely replacement, but the deal failed. Al Nassr also made a bid for Brighton’s Karou Mitoma, but the Seagulls rejected a 65 million bid and maybe Cristiano Ronaldo’s club will come for another try. But now we found out that Duran was in fact a third-choice for the Saudies while Nunez was the first and what’s worst for the Reds is that the Uruguayan striker was willing to listen to the offer but the club refused a 65 milllion pound bid.New coach, same problems: Darwin NunezThe British newspapers are writing that the player was not happy about the club’s decision to flat refuse the deal and was willing to at least hear what’s the offer. But now, he will be staying and coach Arne Slot, who surely played his part in this decision will have to persuade Nunez, who is not his first team striker, why is so good for him to stay in England.“For me, he has impact. If you only look at goals, he hasn’t scored the amount of goals that he wants to score, or we want a number nine to score, but he does have impact in his work-rate. He’s part of a team that scores a lot of goals and is winning a lot. Of course, as a number nine you want to score more goals and that’s definitely what he wants as well. But I’m not only judging Mohamed Salah on his goals and Darwin on his goals – I also judge them on their work-rate and what they bring to the team. The fans support him so much that maybe he wants it too much“ said the Dutch coach last month. And now he has to show to Nunez that he really counts on him.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 24Saturday 15.30: (2.40) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brighton (2.95)18.00: (4.80) Bournemouth (4.30) Liverpool (1.70)18.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Leicester (5.10)18.00: (2.00) Ipswich (3.60) Southampton (4.10)18.00: (1.67) Newcastle (3.80) Fulham (5.30)20.30: (3.45) Wolverhampton (3.50) Aston Villa (2.20)Sunday 17.00: (2.20) Brentford (3.70) Tottenham (3.35)17.00: (2.10) Man.Utd. (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.80)19.30: (2.10) Arsenal (3.50) Man.City (3.80)Monday 23.00: (1.40) Chelsea (4.80) West Ham (7.75)***odds are subject to change***
