Gus Poyet believes his fellow countryman Darwin Nunez needs “to make a decision” on his future at Liverpool this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Walk On (courtesy of Discasino.com), the former Chelsea midfielder said that, after three years, Nunez has failed to nail down a place in the Reds’ starting lineup and it’s time to consider his options:

“I’m surprised that after the first season that he couldn’t get the number 9 position all the time. I thought he would. I knew that it would be difficult in the beginning for him coming to Liverpool as a city, a new language, into [a] new system, the way that Liverpool was playing, so many things that you need to adapt, so you need a season [to adapt] normally. Then change of coach [to Arne Slot] as well – you’re thinking, ‘OK, let’s see if it helps Darwin.” And he’s in the same situation.”

“He needs to make a decision himself about what he wants for next year. I think it’s also a family decision. It’s not the same depending if you have family and they’re going to school, your kids or where you are, and they are happy with that. They’re going to another country with another language, with another situation so it’s so many things that [are] involve[d] in his decision or his next move. It’s very personal but I think he probably now has got to get it clear [about his future], because of everything that happened in the last 2 or 3 years.”

Nunez could move to the Middle East

Reliable sources have confirmed that the Uruguayan international was the subject of two bids from Saudi Arabia during the January transfer window.

It is believed the second offer was worth as much as €75m (£64m). Liverpool turned down the proposals at the time but there is a good chance that the move could be revived this summer.

Nunez is reportedly open to such a switch, and if the Reds are more amenable to doing a deal at the end of the season, this transfer could happen.

Who would Liverpool target as a replacement?

Arne Slot’s side are said to be very interested in signing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with contact with the striker’s entourage having been made.

However, the cost of the deal could prove prohibitive, with it being suggested that the Swedish star’s asking price may be as high as £150m.

With that being the case, alternative options are likely to be explored. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is also thought to be on the Merseyside club’s radar, while there are claims that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could come under consideration.

Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season