Liverpool's interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and the whole gang of transfer reporters. While there is a long way to go, the chances of adding the Sweden star to Arne Slot's ranks has become a more realistic thought.
With Newcastle pushing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, another top target at Anfield, we're likely set for an interesting saga that could see the stars head in a number of different directions, if they move at all.
Whether Liverpool sign Ekitike or Isak this summer (if either of them, of course), remains to be seen at this stage, but there's little question that Slot's system would improve with such a frontman bagged to replace Darwin Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move away, Napoli and Al Hilal both keen.
Liverpool-Ekitike-Isak-Premier-League
However, with Florian Wirtz already signed for a British-record £116m fee, a sale to go along with that of Nunez could help offset any financial imbalances.
And Luis Diaz fits the bill in that regard, with suitors hungry to secure the winger's signature.
Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz
Liverpool owe much to Diaz's performances over the past year, the versatile forward posting 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions, sometimes filling in at number nine as Nunez toiled.
Liverpool's stance is that they will not be selling their Colombian forward, but then this is the same with Newcastle's stance toward Isak's future. Food for thought.
After seeing an opening bid reject, Bayern Munich, Sky Germany report, are planning to return with an improved offer for Diaz, who wants to leave Anfield, and if this falls into a ballpark Liverpool consider acceptable, things may well start to gather apace.
Diaz is a valued member of Liverpool's squad, crucial in the Premier League triumph. However, aged 28 and with two years left on his deal, cashing in for the right place wouldn't be the most egregious course of action for Hughes to take.
Diaz-Liverpool-stats
Indeed, given FSG's position that they will only sell on their financial terms, the means to redirect the transfer cannon toward another marquee move for Slot might come to fruition.
Liverpool showing strong interest in superstar replacement
As per reports from Spain, Liverpool are showing 'strong' interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who might leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after falling down the pecking order in Xabi Alonso's fledgling system.
Arsenal are also keen on the Brazil international and are probably considered favourites at this stage, having been reported to be leading the race earlier this month.
Valued at £78m, the 24-year-old Rodrygo's signature would be a hard one to attain, but if Liverpool sell Diaz, they might just find the stars align for a staggering signing.
What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool
Rodrygo might be coming off the back of a campaign that has left plenty to be desired, but he's also one of the most talented wide forwards in the business, with his former teammate Luka Modric even calling him a "world-class superstar".
Rodrygo-Real-Madrid-stats
However, Rodrygo longs for a role on the left, something that is proving impossible with Real Madrid, for Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both have priority in that regard.
With Los Blancos open to the player's sale this summer, the chances of his switch to the Premier League grow stronger and stronger, and Liverpool must ensure it is they who win the race, should Diaz go.
Indeed, the £207k-per-week talent actually scored six goals and laid on six assists when playing on the left flank last season, even though he only made 12 of his 54 appearances from the position.
This makes the interesting comment that Rodrygo, four years Diaz's junior, could actually prove to be an upgrade on a man who played so vital a part in Liverpool's celebrations this year.
League Stats 24/25 - Rodrygo vs Luis Diaz
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Pass completion
Big chances created
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
The data above gives you an illustration of the calibre of forward that Rodrygo. Indeed, in spite of spending the lion's share of the 2024/25 La Liga season out of position, he's still managed to maintain a level to be admired.
Just imagine how high he could rise under Slot's wing on the left flank of a super-charged Liverpool frontline.
Furthermore, Liverpool need not fret over losing some of their big-game firepower. Rodrygo is one for the grand stage, with his record in the Champions League quite the thing.
FFC in-text wider Rodrygo (1)
Diaz is defined by more than his winged feet and electric movements. The Colombia international is clever, intuitive, crisp. His passing, in particular, aligns with the measured take Slot has on build-up play, knowing when to be creative and when to promote steady progression.
All good stuff, but Real's wantaway forward does it better. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranked among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 12% for passes attempted per 90.
rodrygo-real-madrid
With Rodrygo playing a role of greater importance, entrusted by Slot to grow into the 'superstar' he has already been touted as, there's every chance that Diaz's prospective departure this summer could come to be a positive thing.
He's been a wonderful part of Liverpool's latest chapter, but Diaz could fetch a pretty penny this summer, and if that is redirected toward Rodrygo, who's to say that the Premier League champions would be worse off?
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts Related
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Isak and Ekitike aren't the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.