Liverpool reportedly proposed exchanging for Julian Alvarez when Luis Diaz signalled a desire to join Man City last year.
Last summer, unexpected reports emerged over interest between Diaz and Man City, though sources from both clubs rejected the rumour.
That tune has changed as time has gone on, though, with the *Times*‘ Paul Joyce and the *Telegraph*‘s Chris Bascombe now offering more details of what unfolded last summer.
It is reported that Liverpool “realised” Diaz wanted to go to Man City shortly after Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot got to work after the Dutchman’s arrival.
The Colombian was “unsettled” by City’s interest and Liverpool “countered by expressing a liking for” Alvarez.
“The recruitment team proposed Diaz might move to the Etihad in exchange for Alvarez,” Bascombe stated, though City’s response was that they did not sell to rivals.
Subsequently, Liverpool took the same stance and Diaz was off the table. He went on to have his best season for the club, scoring 17 goals before moving to Bayern Munich for £65 million.
City, on the other hand, would sell the Argentine to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £81.5 million, with his agent Fernando Hidalgo later confirming Liverpool had expressed their interest.
Even Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone name-checked the club when listing those who “want him” earlier this summer, before Liverpool invested in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
The 25-year-old would have fit it nicely under Slot, but Liverpool did not act on their interest in the Argentine and instead pursued Florian Wirtz, Ekitike and Isak for their overhaul in attack.