Luis Diaz in Saudi Crosshairs Amid Vinicius Jr Transfer Storm
Saudi Spending Reshapes Transfer Market Again
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition knows no bounds. Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT reports that Al-Ahli are preparing a monumental €350m [£303m] offer for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr — a potential world-record deal that eclipses even Neymar’s 2017 move to PSG. If successful, the ramifications of that approach could be felt at Anfield.
“The club making the approach are Al-Ahli,” Jacobs confirms, “which means Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.” Their gaze, it seems, has already landed on Luis Diaz.
Diaz as Plan B — or Plan A?
With Vinicius Jr’s future in flux and his attitude increasingly questioned in the Spanish capital, a ripple effect is in motion. Jacobs notes that “Diaz is the most likely alternative, having emerged as one of Europe’s top wingers since moving to Liverpool.”
And he’s not wrong. With 15 goals and five assists this season, Diaz is thriving under Arne Slot and playing the best football of his career. Since arriving from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5m, the Colombian has lit up Anfield with his direct style, relentless energy, and eye for goal. But his contract expires in 2027, meaning Liverpool may soon face a contract conundrum.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Problem
Vinicius Jr, for all his brilliance last season — including a Champions League final goal — now finds himself the subject of public scrutiny. His straight red against Valencia, disciplinary issues, and clashing with fans and teammates have all raised questions.
Jacobs’ report outlines this shift: “Since then he’s seen both the media and fans show signs of turning on him,” with MARCA even calling him a “problem for Real Madrid.”
Real’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe hasn’t helped. With both stars operating from the left, friction was inevitable. That tension, plus Saudi Arabia’s open chequebook, creates the perfect storm.
Decision Time at Liverpool
Luis Diaz’s future, by contrast, appears tied more to timing than attitude. Liverpool must now weigh up resisting financial temptation or selling high at a time of record valuations. Al Nassr’s £64m swoop for Diaz’s countryman Jhon Duran shows how inflated this market has become.
And while £303m for Vinicius feels absurd, nothing in modern football is truly shocking. As Jacobs writes, “That may well see Arne Slot’s bosses faced with an irresistible offer from big-spending SPL for their star Colombian.”
Liverpool’s transfer stance has long been one of pragmatism. If the Saudis miss out on Vinicius, Diaz becomes a prime target — not as a compromise, but as a statement.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
For Liverpool fans, this report sets off more alarms than it does applause. Diaz has been one of the few consistent outlets in a season of attacking transition. Losing him — especially not long after the departures of Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino — would create a vacuum not easily filled.
Sure, the Saudi money is eye-watering, but at what cost? Fans want to see players who want to be at Liverpool — not those tempted by riches elsewhere. Diaz has never looked like he’s itching for a move, but if his head gets turned, can the club convince him to stay with a new deal and a clear vision under Arne Slot?
More urgently, where’s the plan if he goes? There’s no guarantee that the club can find a like-for-like replacement, especially with top-tier wingers now commanding massive fees. And if Mbappe’s arrival makes Vinicius disposable, that sets a new — and dangerous — bar for how top clubs handle elite talent.
Liverpool’s stance in the coming months will reveal plenty: whether they see Diaz as untouchable or as the next asset to cash in on.
