Liverpool have been undergoing a huge transformation this summer with record sums being spent on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike – but the focus will soon need to shift on recouping some of that money.
Luis Diaz appears to be the man gaining most of the attention from around Europe with reports indicating Liverpool are asking for around £73million to let the Colombian leave.
Diaz arrived at Anfield three years ago and instantly became a fan favourite with his mazing runs and electrifying pace.
He’s coming off the most prolific season of his Merseyside career, scoring 17 goals and helping the club win a memorable Premier League title.
But with the multitude of changes in Slot’s squad this summer, Diaz appears unsettled with reports indicating he’s angling for a move elsewhere.
The Case For Selling Luis Diaz
If Liverpool are able to get their full asking price of £73m for Diaz then it’s an incredibly difficult offer to turn down.
The £37.5m – plus add-ons – Liverpool initially paid back in 2022 now looks like a bargain given his output over the past three years.
But how Diaz fits into Slot’s system going forward is up in the air. The Liverpool boss appears to favour a more versatile option on the left wing like Cody Gakpo.
With the addition of Wirtz and Ekitike to Liverpool’s attacking unit, along with the emergence of 16-year-old starlet Rio Ngumoha, there might not be a better time to cash in on Diaz.
The Case For Keeping Luis Diaz
Letting a stalwart like Diaz leave at the peak of his powers would represent a certain level of risk as well.
Liverpool know what they’re getting with Diaz and he played a key role in helping them win the title next year – and will likely be called upon on a regular basis this coming campaign.
He is one of Liverpool’s biggest threats when it comes to truly unsettling a defence with his pace and furious pressing.
With Mohamed Salah turning 34 years old this season, selling Diaz also risks leaving them short of natural and experienced options out wide should the Egyptian’s perfect fitness record come to an end.
Diaz is capable of being Liverpool’s main man when fit and confident – and that isn’t simply to replace in the transfer window.
Rodrygo is being touted as the man Liverpool want to replace Diaz, but there’s no guarantee it will work out.
Final Verdict
The new Premier League season is just a few weeks away – with the top UK betting sites getting ready with some exciting new offers – and Liverpool will want their squad finalised before their opening fixture against Bournemouth.
Liverpool have had a clear transfer plan all summer long with big changes made to Slot’s squad to fix areas that needed attention immediately.
Now it appears as though they’re in a position of luxury and hold all the cards when it comes to cashing in on valuable assets like Diaz.
It seems unlikely Liverpool will let Diaz leave without a deal in place for a readymade replacement.
Liverpool’s track record in the transfer market suggests they are more than capable of finding the right man should they need to.
However, there is no pressing need to sell and the current benefits of keeping Diaz might outweigh the risks that come with letting him leave.
