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Why Liverpool Should Target Rodrygo if Luis Díaz Leaves

Liverpool are riding high under Arne Slot after winning the Premier League and adding top signings like Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Jeremie Frimpong. But with Bayern Munich and Barcelona pushing hard for Luis Díaz, a big decision may be on the horizon. If a £70 million offer arrives, Liverpool could sell and look to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as a high-quality replacement.

Winger Market Challenges

The current winger market offers little value. Noni Madueke’s £50 million move to Arsenal shows just how inflated prices have become. Rather than gamble on an unproven name, Liverpool would be better served reinvesting Díaz’s fee into a player like Rodrygo, who offers proven pedigree at the highest level.

Photo: IMAGO

Rodrygo’s strength lies in his versatility. He operates wide, drops deep and links play intelligently. His heat maps show he thrives on the flanks but is just as comfortable drifting into central spaces. In Slot’s flexible system, that adaptability is crucial.

Tactical Fit at Liverpool

Rodrygo fits Liverpool’s style perfectly. With Cody Gakpo and Wirtz interchanging positions and Frimpong or Kerkez providing width, Rodrygo would add an extra layer of unpredictability. His movement would free up space for Mohamed Salah and allow Liverpool to overload key areas.

Importantly, Rodrygo’s role is not about being a traditional striker. It is about making others better. While Díaz offered 13 league goals last season, Rodrygo’s impact would come from his combinations, late runs and ability to create openings. This aligns with Slot’s approach, where quality and movement matter more than just raw goal numbers.

Ambition for More Silverware

Liverpool’s summer has already shown ambition, but signing Rodrygo would take that to another level. Real Madrid reportedly see him as available for around £80 million, a price Liverpool can afford if they sell Díaz. Bringing in Rodrygo would not just replace a departing player, it would upgrade the attack and help maintain Liverpool’s place among Europe’s elite.

This is an abridged version; the full article is available on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:

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