Another Suarez situation: Liverpool expect bid for “world-class” £72m star

Football News

Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has departed Liverpool for Real Madrid. FSG reportedly secured around £10m from the deal, allowing the player to join Xabi Alonso`s side early for the upcoming Club World Cup.

The conclusion of this long-running situation allows focus to shift to potential new arrivals at Anfield.

Jeremie Frimpong`s transfer is expected soon after he completed his medical. Deals for Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth`s Milos Kerkez are also reportedly being pursued. Liverpool is also in the market for a new main striker.

However, new signings often mean some players must leave. Here`s a look at individuals who could depart Arne Slot`s squad this summer.

Players Potentially Leaving Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold wasn`t the only one emotional after Liverpool`s Premier League title-winning season concluded with a draw against Crystal Palace.

Young playmaker Harvey Elliott also seemed reflective, having had a limited role this season. He is linked with moves to clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund, with Liverpool reportedly asking for £50m.

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

With Frimpong potentially arriving, Kostas Tsimikas` five-year spell at the club might end. Although Andy Robertson`s form has declined, he intends to stay and compete with Kerkez, suggesting there might not be space for three left-backs.

Darwin Nunez is arguably the most likely candidate for an exit. Liverpool requires a striker but needs to sell their club-record signing first. Nunez`s struggles in England have been evident, scoring just seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions this term.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez

It has been frustrating to witness the Uruguayan`s difficulties, especially after early hopes he would mirror his countryman Luis Suarez and become a star at the club.

Intriguing reports have emerged this week about Bayern Munich`s interest in Cody Gakpo, but it seems improbable that FSG would permit the departure of the left-sided forward, who is second only to Mohamed Salah in Liverpool`s scoring charts this season.

Liverpool summer transfer window

Liverpool summer transfer window in 2020

However, Luis Diaz is also attracting significant attention from potential buyers and could be on his way out in the coming months.

FSG Anticipates Offer for Key Player

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs indicates that Liverpool expects contact from Saudi Arabian officials soon. Al Nassr, reportedly seeking funds for a bid, has identified Diaz as their primary target.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz

Jacobs estimates that Diaz could command a fee exceeding €85m (£72m) if he leaves Anfield this summer, stressing that his departure is not a certainty.

Barcelona also maintains a long-standing interest in the 28-year-old Colombian. The Catalan club has publicly expressed their admiration for the player while considering a potential offer.

It is believed that Diaz, who earns £55k per week and is entering the final two years of his contract, is pushing for a new deal at Liverpool.

Comparing Diaz`s Potential Exit to Luis Suarez

While a large offer for Diaz might seem appealing, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp considered him `world-class`. Replacing him effectively, especially with other areas needing investment, could prove difficult.

Luis Diaz during a Liverpool match

Indeed, the Colombian forward just completed his most successful season at Liverpool, recording 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

Furthermore, his advanced technical statistics are highly impressive. According to FBref data, the skilled player ranks highly among attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe`s top-five leagues for metrics such as goals scored, pass completion rate, and successful take-ons.

Selling Diaz now, while he is arguably at the peak of his game, could draw comparisons to the situation when Liverpool sold legend Luis Suarez to Barcelona for £75m in 2014.

Luis Suarez celebrating a goal for Liverpool

Rupert Atherton
Rupert Atherton

Rupert Atherton, 45, veteran sports writer based in Sheffield. Expert in Olympic sports and athletics, tracking British competitors year-round rather than just during major events. His distinctive reporting style combines meticulous research with engaging storytelling.

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