Arne Slot has meticulously crafted a comprehensive plan to commence his tenure at Liverpool seamlessly, aiming to leave his mark on the high-caliber squad established by Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool face uncharted territory as they gear up for the upcoming campaign under the guidance of a new leader. While excitement permeates the air, there’s an underlying apprehension that Klopp’s monumental achievements could become bittersweet memories of the past.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has implemented a new organisational structure, enticing Michael Edwards to return in an expanded role as the CEO of Football. Amidst various pressing matters, such as the contract uncertainties of key players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, attention to retaining these pivotal figures is paramount for the early success of Slot’s Liverpool tenure.
The retention of influential and seasoned players like van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Salah is crucial for Slot’s Liverpool to flourish initially. However, not all of the team’s valuable assets are deemed untouchable.
Darwin Nunez has emerged as a subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks. Despite his imperfections, the Uruguayan forward possesses immense potential. Nonetheless, one of his closest counterparts may need to be ruthlessly offloaded.
Liverpool Considering Big Summer Sale
Spanish reports have frequently mentioned Barcelona’s interest in signing Luis Diaz in recent weeks. Diaz, who was one of Klopp’s key players last season, started every Premier League fixture for Liverpool in 2024.
According to Diario AS, Liverpool have responded to Barcelona’s interest by placing a €75m (£63m) price tag on the Colombian star. This valuation might pose a challenge for Barcelona, given their financial concerns.
Diaz is undoubtedly Liverpool’s standout left winger. While he fits well into Slot’s system, there’s a case for selling him and reinvesting the funds.
Diaz is known for his tireless work ethic and athleticism, making him a valuable asset on the field.
However, Diaz’s occasional wastefulness and modest goal contributions have let Liverpool down in crucial moments. Despite a decent record of 13 goals and five assists in 51 matches across all competitions, his output hasn’t been spectacular.
Liverpool signed Diaz from FC Porto for £37m in January 2022, with the aim of replacing the legendary Sadio Mane.
Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, which explains why FSG and Edwards believe he could command a high transfer fee. According to FBref, he ranks among the top performers in Europe’s top leagues for pass completion, shot-creating actions, and touches in the attacking penalty area.
Diaz’s electrifying dashes along the flank have earned him the title of a “livewire,” as acclaimed by journalist Peter Hall.
Nevertheless, he falls short of being the top choice at Anfield, prompting the notion that Liverpool could use the £60 million transfer fee to bolster their squad with new talent.
| Luis Diaz: Stats by Season at LFC | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists | G/A Rate |
| 23/24 | 51 | 13 | 5 | 0.35 |
| 22/23 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 0.33 |
| 21/22 | 26 | 6 | 5 | 0.42 |
| Sourced via Transfermarkt | ||||
When comparing Mane’s performance over the last three years with that of the Colombian player, it’s evident that the latter hasn’t matched up in terms of goal-scoring prowess. However, this doesn’t necessarily equate to failure on his part, considering Mane’s exceptional skill level.
| Sadio Mane: Final Three Seasons at LFC | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists | G/A Rate |
| 21/22 | 51 | 23 | 4 | 0.53 |
| 20/21 | 48 | 16 | 8 | 0.50 |
| 19/20 | 47 | 22 | 10 | 0.68 |
| Sourced via Transfermarkt | ||||
£63 million is a significant sum, positioning it as the third-largest transfer in Anfield’s history, trailing only Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez.
Liverpool must seriously consider parting ways with Diaz, redirecting their attention to potential summer transfers with the allure of replenished finances.
| Liverpool: Record Departures | ||
|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Sale |
| 1. | Philippe Coutinho | £142m |
| 2. | Luis Suarez | £75m |
| 3. | Fernando Torres | £50m |
| 4. | Raheem Sterling | £49m |
| 5. | Fabinho | £40m |
| Sourced via Football Transfers | ||
Who knows, it might even prove to be a masterstroke for Slot, his very own Coutinho moment.
Diaz Sale Could Be Coutinho 2.0
When Liverpool sold Coutinho to Barcelona in January 2018 for a staggering fee of £142m, supporters mourned the loss of a truly special star who, it felt, could not be replaced.
Liverpool, under Klopp’s leadership, hit their stride, netting goals aplenty. However, the funds amassed were promptly reinvested, with a groundbreaking £75 million deal securing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton and a £67 million signing bringing Alisson Becker from AS Roma. These moves transformed the squad, elevating their aspirations beyond routine top-four finishes and trophy pursuits.
Liverpool’s dominance knew no bounds. They clinched victory on all fronts: in 2018/19, they triumphed over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final, and just a year later, they dethroned Manchester City to claim their inaugural Premier League title in its contemporary guise.
Barcelona may have splurged quite a bit, but Liverpool isn’t fretting. However, they’ve been enduring endless waits for payment from the financially-strapped club, which funded the deal through a middleman.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool remain keen on Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville, after months of scouting. The 22-year-old, hailed as the Championship MVP, boasts an impressive record of 21 goals and ten assists across all competitions, adding to the Dutch contingent at Anfield with high expectations.
The aftermath of this deal, with ample funds post-Diaz’s sale, could be game-changing for a transitioning Liverpool team.
Looking back, Coutinho’s departure marked a turning point, cementing Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool.
While Diaz’s sale may not fetch as much, it could still have a significant impact, particularly if Slot pursues a player like Summerville.
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