Luis Diaz’s future has been a massive grey cloud hanging over the heads of all those involved with Liverpool since the 2024-25 season ended.
The attacker has two years left on his current deal at Anfield, with the 2025-26 summer transfer window likely being the last one where they’ll get a decent fee for him.
Barcelona have already had an offer rebuffed for Diaz, with the Catalan outfit now focusing their attention towards Nico Williams due to Liverpool’s stubbornness to negotiate.
Other clubs, such as those from Saudi Arabia, have also been linked, and the fact that Diaz has admitted he’s been talking to other clubs means that he could be on his way out sooner than many may have thought.
Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
But, with this in mind, it seem like the Reds may have stumbled across a perfect replacement for him who would cost just over half of what Diaz could end up being sold for.
Liverpool are now ‘monitoring’ Jesus Rodriguez
As per a report from Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, Liverpool are once again ‘monitoring’ Jesus Rodriguez after his impressive season for La Liga side Real Betis.
Others, such as Chelsea, Como and Napoli are also getting linked with an interest in the attacker.
The report adds that a fee worth €35million (£29.9million) is the amount that Rodriguez’s release clause is worth and is what Manuel Pellegrini is holding out for should he have to sell the Spaniard this summer.
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And, seeing as though the 19-year-old is a left-winger who’s played 44 times across all competitions for his boyhood club, he already looks well on his way to becoming an impressive player.
Rodriguez has also been used on the right wing at Betis this term, which outlines the versatility the young Spaniard has in his locker.
Jesus Rodriguez pictured in action for Real Betis in their La Liga clash against Mallorca.
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Why Liverpool should allow Luis Diaz to exit Anfield this summer
Diaz is now 28 years old, and while he may have plenty of time left at the top level, a 19-year-old would no doubt be a better investment for the future.
No talks between Diaz and Liverpool have yet taken place regarding an extension to his stay, so at the moment, it feels like he could be allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
To be honest, this doesn’t make an awful lot of sense because even if Slot sees Diaz as an important cog to his team next season, it’s not worth losing a player of Diaz’s calibre on a free transfer.
Liverpool have already gone through a similar saga with Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, and although the situations are slightly different, the same premise remains.
Rodriguez has been one of Pellegrini’s first names on his team sheet during his time with the club this season, and without him, it’s unclear whether they’d have done as well as they have this season.
Games Goals Assists
44 5 4
The 2024-25 season of Jesus Rodriguez in numbers.
Indeed, Antony stole the show when he came in during the January transfer window, but with the quality Rodriguez has shown throughout the campaign, he looks like he’d be a stellar acquisition for any club.