By Tichaona Katsvamutima
English Premier League giants Liverpool have rejected a staggering £30 million (about US$40.7 million) offer from Nottingham Forest for highly-rated teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni, underlining the value the club now places on the Zimbabwean-linked youngster.
Forest made a late push for the 19-year-old ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, offering £25 million upfront with a further £5 million in potential add-ons.
Liverpool, however, swiftly rejected the proposal and have indicated they have no intention of allowing Nyoni to leave Anfield.
The decision represents a significant vote of confidence in a player who joined Liverpool from Leicester City’s academy only three years ago.
Nyoni, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, has represented England at youth level but remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe at senior international level.
His rapid development has increasingly pushed him into Liverpool’s first-team plans.
New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola was impressed by Nyoni during pre-season and now views the midfielder as an important member of his squad.
Nyoni was introduced for the final 13 minutes of Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, producing a composed cameo against the same club that would subsequently attempt to prise him away from Anfield.
Liverpool’s faith in the teenager appears to go considerably further than simply rejecting Forest’s money.
Following the departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan, the Reds opted against immediately signing a midfield replacement, with Nyoni expected to receive increased first-team opportunities this season.
He has already made more than 20 senior appearances and previously wrote himself into Liverpool’s history books by becoming the club’s youngest player to feature in European competition.
Liverpool are also preparing to discuss another contract extension with the teenager despite Nyoni having signed a long-term deal only last year — another indication of how highly his development is regarded at Anfield.
Iraola offered a glimpse into that confidence during pre-season, praising Nyoni’s composure and ability to read the game while highlighting improvements in his pressing and defensive work.
For Zimbabwe, Nyoni’s continued rise will inevitably keep attention on his international future.
The midfielder has represented England through several youth age groups, including at Under-20 level, but his Zimbabwean parentage means the Warriors remain an international option unless and until his eligibility circumstances change through senior competitive representation.
