Liverpool forward one step closer to £70m Saudi Arabia deal

Saudi giants Al-Nassr are in the midst of a massive shakeup. As well as a new contract for their most recognisable player Cristiano Ronaldo, the club have also sacked head coach Stefano Pioli.

The No1 contender to replace the Italian - expected to be confirmed imminently - is Portuguese tactician Jorge Jesus.

READ MORE: Marc Guehi to Liverpool comes down to £25m

The 70-year-old reportedly comes with the blessing of Ronaldo and one Liverpool player in particular could be very interested in events at Al-Nassr right now.

READ MORE: Liverpool told what offer it will take to convince Alexander Isak to join

Darwin Nunez struck up a fruitful partnership with Jesus during his Benfica career. The 26-year-old played 66 times in total under the renowned head coach - scoring 32 goals and adding 14 assists - from 2020/21 to midway through 2021/22.

Nunez and Jorge Jesus together in Benfica

Those were perhaps the most productive two seasons in Nunez’s career to date with a record-breaking move to Liverpool coming that summer.

The Reds paid a fee that could reach £85m for Nunez - with Jesus leaving his post halfway through the 2021/22 season. And now the duo could be set for a reunion at Al-Nassr.

It would be no surprise to see Jesus and Nunez link up in the Saudi Pro League next season. The club’s interest in Nunez predates Jesus’ arrival by quite some distance.

Al-Nassr want Nunez

They tried to sign him back in January for £70m but Liverpool opted against doing a deal owing to a lack of alternatives in the market. But now Liverpool could be ready to do business - and kickstart a striker chase of their own.

There is space opening up in the Al-Nassr squad owing to the loss of Jhon Duran to Fenerbahce. And once that deal is confirmed, Al-Nassr’s transfer window is set to explode into life.

If Nunez is the first name through the door, the proceeds will be very useful in the hunt for Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike or Victor Osimhen.

Luis Diaz also linked with Al-Nassr

There is also the possibility that Al-Nassr come back for Luis Diaz. With the Colombian being touted as a potential €80m signing, those funds would boost the coffers even further.

READ MORE: Deal close as Medical SET today

Diaz is out of contract in 2027 and no breakthrough over a new deal is expected. With Barcelona seemingly out of the running - and Bayern Munich having plenty of options for a left-wing arrival - Al-Nassr could soon emerge as the No1 destination for TWO Liverpool forwards.