Liverpool plotted swap deal involving Nunez

Despite weeks of speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has stayed put at Anfield until January at the earliest. 

The Egyptian was the subject of a huge offer from Al-Ittihad last week and the Pro League side were expected to return with a second offer, but they were unable to agree a deal before the Saudi transfer window closed on Thursday evening.

Regardless, it was a summer of huge change at Anfield with several stars leaving the club and a number of big names joining Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Now, though, it appears that the Reds were plotting a swap deal involving one of their most important players.

According to Mundo Deportivo via The Mirror, Liverpool were prepared to include Darwin Nunez in a potential swap deal for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

The report claims that the Merseyside outfit had hoped to lure the Portuguese to Anfield and had considered the idea of offering Nunez to the La Liga side in exchange.

It is also claimed that the deal didn’t happen because Felix was intent on joining fellow Spanish side Barcelona, and he has since joined the Catalan giants on loan.

Liverpool considered a swap deal involving Nunez this summer

The Portugal international is said to have fallen out with Atleti manager Diego Simeone and, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, he faced an uncertain future before securing his move to Barcelona.

Nunez, meanwhile, joined Liverpool from Benfica last summer and endured a frustrating first season in England.

The 24-year-old scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 42 matches across all competitions during his debut season with the Reds, however he has started the new campaign in fine form.

The Uruguay international scored two late goals to earn Liverpool a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United earlier this month, and he also provided an assist during their 3-0 win over Aston Villa last time out.