Liverpool reportedly almost agreed a fee with Al-Nassr for the sale of striker Darwin Nunez but decided against his transfer as they did not have a replacement lined up.
The Reds are set to take on Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night in the Premier League and could extend their lead over second-placed Arsenal to nine points should they win.
Arne Slot's side have also scored the most goals in the top flight having netted 56 times in 23 games, with Mohamed Salah directly responsible for 21 goals while also registering 13 assists.
Cody Gakpo has also earned praise for his performances in front of goal, but Nunez has at times been criticised for his performances having only scored four times in the Premier League.
However, Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool decided against selling the Uruguayan striker for a fee of £62m as they had no replacement lined up, and also wanted Slot to have the best possible platform from which to win trophies.
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How important will Nunez be between now and the end of the season?
Nunez is Liverpool's club-record signing having been purchased from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for £85m, and while he has at times showcased immense talent, he has routinely underwhelmed in the final third.
His role at Anfield this season has largely been that of an impact player from the bench, most recently coming on as a substitute during his side's 2-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle last Sunday.
In the top flight, the forward has only started seven times, being left out of the XI in favour of both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, the latter whom had little experience of playing as a striker prior to this season.
Despite his infrequent starts, Slot insisted that Nunez remains an important part of his squad, and referenced his relentless workrate as one of the attacker's strengths.
Nunez has already contributed to Liverpool's title charge significantly considering he scored both of his side's two goals against Brentford in second-half stoppage time on January 18, earning the Reds three points on the same day Arsenal drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.
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Who could replace Nunez?
Jota is seen by many Liverpool fans as the team's current first-choice striker given his proven record in front of goal, but the Portuguese international has been frequently beset by injuries during his time at Anfield.
Diaz has also been linked with moves away from the club to the likes of Barcelona and sides in the Saudi Pro League, and the Colombian has failed to score in 17 of his 22 Premier League games.
Slot has spoken about how he prefers his striker to be able to link play as well as score goals, so perhaps Newcastle United's Alexander Isak would work well up front.
The Newcastle talisman has scored 17 goals in 22 league games and has proven adept at receiving the ball in front of opposition centre-backs, including against defenders such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Though the striker would undoubtedly be expensive, the Reds may be better placed to sign him should they receive a significant sum from the Saudi Pro League for Nunez in the summer.
Lewis Nolan
