Liverpool showed interest in signing French defender Nathan Zeze from Nantes during the 2025 summer transfer window, engaging in contact with Zeze's agents as part of their pursuit to strengthen their central defense.

Despite the Reds' intentions, Zeze, a 20-year-old France Under-21 international with 35 senior appearances for Nantes, ultimately chose to join Saudi Pro League club Neom. The Saudi side, keen to make a mark in their league, secured Zeze following their recent promotion from the second tier, adding him alongside other notable signings like goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and forward Alexandre Lacazette.

Liverpool's interest reflected their ongoing need to bolster their defensive options, given concerns about squad depth and the aging status of Virgil van Dijk, contract uncertainties with Ibrahima Konate, and injury issues with Joe Gomez. Central defense reinforcement remained a transfer priority under manager Arne Slot, even as attention also shifted towards a potential forward signing in Newcastle's Alexander Isak.

Other Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa, Everton, and Bournemouth were reportedly monitoring Zeze's situation as well. However, the financial attractiveness of Neom's offer, reportedly including a €25 million transfer fee and substantial personal terms, led Zeze to choose the Saudi Pro League over a move to the English top flight.

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This development represents another example of ambitious Saudi clubs successfully attracting promising European talents away from traditional destination leagues, impacting Liverpool's summer transfer strategy.

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