Liverpool 'closing in' on £25m Darwin Nunez replacement after three-way transfer talks

The 19-year-old came through the PAOK Salonika academy before joining the second-tier side on loan last summer, and he has seamlessly adapted to the demands of German football.

Tzimas has had a direct hand in 10 goals in just 15 league appearances this season - eight of his own and two assists - as Nuremberg sit 11th in the 2. Bundesliga rankings.

The 2006-born talent - who stands at 6ft 1in tall - is also a full international for Greece's Under-21s, and his form in the second tier has apparently caught the attention of Liverpool.

According to the Anfield Watch, the Reds are advancing in their efforts to bring Tzimas to Merseyside during the January transfer window, having recently held a meeting with his representative.

Liverpool to win four-team Tzimas battle?

The report claims that the two parties should agree personal terms without a hitch, but there are still a couple of hoops to jump through relating to Nuremberg's loan agreement with PAOK.

The German side reportedly agreed an obligation to purchase Tzimas for £15m at the end of the campaign, but all three clubs have now discussed the matter, and Liverpool will be able to pull off a deal for the right price in January

The Reds have supposedly learned that a fee of £25m would suffice for the 19-year-old, who would become the second-most expensive footballer in Greece's history should that deal materialise.

Kostas Manolas's £30.3m move from Roma to Napoli in 2019 remains the national record for the 2004 European champions, with Odysseas Vlachodimos's £19.9m transfer to Newcastle United last year in second place.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also believed to be keeping tabs on Tzimas, but Liverpool are intent on sealing a deal this month to ward off interest from elsewhere.

Tzimas to replace misfiring Nunez at Liverpool?

Liverpool's reported interest in Tzimas comes at a time where Darwin Nunez is seriously struggling for form and confidence, only managing four goals and four assists in 26 appearances this season.

The Uruguay international did set up Diogo Jota's goal in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley, but he wasted a couple of his own chances in the same game and has only started seven Premier League matches in 2024-25.

Liverpool are supposedly now ready to cut ties with the man they agreed a club-record £85m deal for in 2022, and the report adds that Saudi Pro League clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Nunez will miss Tuesday's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest due to suspension, where Arne Slot's side will endeavour to increase their advantage at the top of the table to nine points.

Written by

Ben Knapton