A signing that arrived with promise. Luis Diaz is a player who’s fight and work ethic have never been questioned. His future at Liverpool however, might be coming to an end.
Porto’s Star
A sensation in the Portuguese Primeira Liga rarely goes unnoticed across Europe. Luis Diaz was no different. After having a breakout season in the beginning of 2021, having 19 goal contributions in 18 league games, he showed that he was capable of taking that next step in his progression.
Sadio Mane’s time was at an end
By this time Sadio Mane had firmly established himself as one of the Liverpool greatest wingers. His signing was one of Jurgen Klopp’s first in the summer of 2016. The pace, drive and relentlessness were key in Liverpool returning to Champions League football which ultimately transformed the club under Klopp.
His impact would be everlasting, his time at the club however, was coming to an end. How could Liverpool replace a man of his stature at the club?
The Big Move
He could’ve chose Tottenham, but wisdom prevailed. Luis Diaz’s sights were set Red. He joined the club in January 2022 for £37.5 million in an unusual Liverpool January swoop. An exciting South American winger with a prolific record in front of goal excited everyone at the club. His impact would be immediate.
Liverpool’s infamous ‘Quadruple’ push was not on the cards prior to Diaz’s arrival. His arrival sparked a resurgence few would’ve predicted. Liverpool were second in the league, 9 points behind Man City. Fans were now witnessing the visible decline of Sadio Mane. The relentless pace and energy was a level below previous years. The arrival of Luis Diaz changed everything.
Diaz – Mane – Salah
His adaptation to English football was seamless. His pace and aggression in the final third was what Liverpool had lacked all season. Jurgen Klopp then moved Mane to the number 9 position which was yet another masterstroke. He had done it again. He revitalized what was an old, aging formula and return the dynamism what was typical of Liverpool under Klopp.
Despite Liverpool ultimately falling short of a historic ‘Quadruple’, losing the League by 1 point on the final day and then being defeated in a tense Champions League final by Real Madrid. The Reds still managed to secure the English Cup double, being crowned both League Cup and FA Cup winners. Many would argue that without Luis Diaz’s arrival, Liverpool would not compete so valiantly on all 4 fronts.
Diaz ended up making 26 appearances, scoring 6 and providing 5 assists in the time from his January arrival. The future looked bright. Was he capable of continuing Sadio Mane’s legacy and taking his game to the next level?
Glimmers of promise
Now in his 3rd year at the club, Luis Diaz has proved himself useful, if not outstanding. Always capable of a flash of brilliance and a fine run of form. His inconsistency over the course of a full season however, has rendered him unable to continue the legacy of Sadio Mane.
This season, 9 of Diaz’s 13 total goals came before early November. His start to the season was remarkable, displaying the ability we all know he has. Since then, his levels have dropped significantly.
Now 28 years of age, he is in the middle of his prime years. Luis Diaz’s own poor run of form is also compounded by the overall drop in goalscoring output of the entire Liverpool front line.
Mo Salah’s brilliant performances this season would often hide other deficiencies in the squad. Now with the Egyptian’s form taking a dip, there is nowhere to hide.
Big Summer Ahead
Despite disappointment to PSG and Newcastle, Arne Slot’s first season at the club should be viewed as a major overachievement. The Reds sit top of the Premier League which has proven ever so elusive. However, dark clouds look over the horizon for Liverpool.
With Salah, Virgil and Trent all out of contract, the Liverpool number 9’s bang out of form and Diaz looking a shell of his early season self, many now see the scale at which Liverpool will need to rebuild in the summer.
Decision: New contract or Exit
With Luis Diaz’s current deal set to expire in June 2027, Richard Hughes and his team have a decision to make. The South American earns far less than other comparable players in his position. His estimated weekly wage is £56,000 which compares poorly to a similar profile player like Gabriel Martinelli’s staggering £180,000.
Is Diaz worth the money? Recent form suggests otherwise.
Sunny skies of Barcelona
Barcelona and Real Madrid are the pinnacles of Football to all Spanish speaking football fans and young players growing up.
Rumours has started to circle. Barcelona’s interest appears genuine. With the Spanish club keen to bolster their attacking options to allow rotation of key players like Yamal and Raphinha. The only issue will remain the price.
Tough negotiators
The Liverpool Transfer Committee is now renowned for it’s ability to find the right players and also receive large fee’s for talent deemed surplus. Luis Diaz will be no different. Fees are rumoured to match or even exceed the £70 million mark.
A big offer will be required. If it is received however, Luis Diaz looks certain to move on.
