Liverpool have some big decisions to make over a handful of key players this summer.
The Reds are looking forward to a new era under Arne Slot, but it’s clear that not everyone will make it with the Dutchman in the dugout.
If Liverpool are to make the next step and become genuine challengers under Slot, they are going to have to improve.
One way of doing that is by selling underperforming players, and bringing better ones in. There’s little question that the Liverpool squad could still be upgraded.
Part of the Reds’ issue last year was a lack of true goal-scoring threat in their forward line. As a result, there have been suggestions that the likes of Luis Diaz could be moved on.
Expectations outlined for Luis Diaz at Liverpool
Diaz had an okay season with Liverpool. The Colombian had spells when he was really productive, but by and large he disappointed.
13 goals is not a terrible tally, but only eight of those were scored in the Premier League. Considering Sadio Mane regularly hit close to 20 from the same position, this has led to debate over the 27-year-old’s future.
With interest reportedly arriving most strongly from Barcelona in Diaz, there is a bit of a feeling that a summer exit could suit everyone.
There’s also the former Porto man’s contract situation to take into account. Diaz’s circumstances have been described as ‘unusual‘ in that he’s been at Liverpool for over two years and hasn’t signed a renewal. That could mean an exit is impending.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs though, this is not the case. Speaking to Give Me Sport, the reporter claimed that the ‘expectation’ is that Liverpool want to keep Diaz.
“What we know about Liverpool’s summer plans is that the number one priority is a wide, creative-minded player, whether winger or wide forward,” says Jacobs.
“And that’s not an indication necessarily that either Mo Salah or Luis Diaz is going anywhere, the expectation is that Liverpool don’t want to lose Diaz and Salah will stay at least for one more.”
Luis Diaz happy at Liverpool
In our opinion, it might be a good time for Liverpool to cash in on Diaz. We don’t think he’s been offering enough and there are players out there who could improve the Reds.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, for example, is a player who would be a supreme upgrade on Liverpool’s No.7.
Having said that, it should be remembered that Diaz has really just come off the back of his first full season at Anfield.
Arriving mid-season in 2022 and having last year ruined by injury, the Colombia international was happily able to stay fit for the whole of 2023/24.
As he shakes off the knee issue that blighted the previous campaign, Lucho will hopefully be able to get into full flight under Slot. Diaz is also reportedly happy at Liverpool and is not pushing to leave the club.
So, while we wouldn’t be against selling Diaz, if he can return to being the player he was two years ago, we’d happily see him stay.