While local sources suggest Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, every player has his price.
The Colombian caught the eye of Barcelona and a few teams from the Saudi Pro League with his league-winning performances for the Reds this season.
Diaz was a key player in the club’s record-equalling 20th English league title despite being asked by Arne Slot to play out of position.
While being a natural left winger, Diaz adapted to his false nine role with incredible ease and actually outperformed his stats from the season before when he spent the whole campaign in his preferred position.
In the 2023/24 season, Diaz contributed 13 goals and 7 assists whereas last season, he provided 17 goals and 8 assists. To make that even more impressive, he did so playing 350 minutes fewer – or the equivalent of nearly four games fewer.
So, it comes as little surprise to hear Liverpool aren’t very motivated to sell him even if they aren’t willing to offer him a new deal.
The number Liverpool would sell for if a bid was received for Luis Diaz
Liverpool signed Diaz from Porto in January 2022 for a fee reported to be in the region of £37m and they could double their investment if they sell him this summer.
Diaz has two years remaining on his contract with the Reds and so FSG have a fair amount of bargaining power even there is still the risk of losing him on the cheap next year or for free in 2027.
According to a report from journalist David Lynch via Anfield Index, there could be more significant transfer activity at Liverpool this summer.
“My expectation and understanding is that Liverpool would come to the table for that sort of money [€85m, £72.5M],” Lynch said.
“But we’re not quite at that stage yet, and we don’t know if he would want to go.
“I haven’t seen anything that makes me think he will be [ready to go to Saudi], but if they come in with a serious offer, then it could be a no-brainer for Liverpool to sell.”
Liverpool must sign Isak if they do sell Diaz for over £70m
If Liverpool were made a £72.5m offer for 28-year-old Diaz, it would be very difficult to turn down.
That being said, it won’t be as easy to replace Diaz as some think.
He brings ball retention, flair, high defensive work ethic, goals and assists to Slot’s team and there aren’t many players that can match or exceed his offering in the No.9 role.
If Liverpool successfully extract high fees from both Diaz and Darwin Nunez’s exits, they should look to test Newcastle United’s resolve with a bid for Isak.
He’s the only player with Premier League experience that can improve on Diaz and in the long term.