Liverpool`s summer transfer strategy is becoming clearer as FSG moves swiftly to reinforce the defense and finalize the significant transfer of Florian Wirtz. The talented Bayer Leverkusen player showcased his skills to interested Liverpool fans this week, scoring in Germany`s 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal.
|
Florian Wirtz – Stats vs Portugal |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
# |
|
Minutes played |
90` |
|
Goals |
1 |
|
Assists |
0 |
|
Shots (on target) |
2 (2) |
|
Accurate passes |
32/42 (76%) |
|
Key passes |
0 |
|
Dribbles |
3/5 |
|
Tackles |
3 |
|
Duels won |
9/16 |
His performance highlighted his capabilities as a playmaker through intelligence, determination, and movement. He was outstanding for Leverkusen, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Year and earning more Champions League Man of the Match awards than anyone else this season.
Liverpool is close to making a major transfer move, but it could involve a player leaving the club. Although the Wirtz transfer is separate from the possible sale of Luis Diaz, the potential departure of the Colombian winger is a factor Liverpool is considering.
The latest on Luis Diaz`s future
On Thursday, Liverpool turned down an offer from Barcelona for forward Luis Diaz, who contributed 17 goals and eight assists for Arne Slot`s team this season. The 28-year-old, whose contract is nearing its final year, will only be sold if Liverpool receives a substantial fee. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are known to be interested in the South American player.
While the prospect of Diaz and Wirtz playing together in a revamped Liverpool attack is appealing, the club might pursue a different, younger signing instead. FSG`s official position is not to sell, but there`s an underlying willingness to consider offers if they are sufficiently high. This is particularly relevant as discussions have taken place regarding a significant potential replacement on the left wing.
Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs reports that Liverpool discussed Real Madrid`s Rodrygo last month. Their interest remains, initially viewing him as a potential replacement if Mohamed Salah had departed this summer. Arsenal is Liverpool`s main competitor for the player. Although the Gunners are interested, they haven`t made a formal offer for the Brazilian forward.
Rodrygo, aged 24, is reportedly unhappy at Real Madrid`s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, feeling overshadowed by teammates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. For their part, Real Madrid no longer considers Rodrygo indispensable but would only sell him if a €100 million (approximately £84 million) offer is made.
What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool
While it`s still early days for Xabi Alonso`s plans at Real Madrid, it seems unlikely that the Spanish coach would move Vinicius Jr. from his position on the left wing. This situation could prompt Rodrygo to eventually decide to leave Real Madrid. He has played 267 games for the club since joining from Santos as an 18-year-old for £39.5 million, contributing to 118 goals (scoring and assisting).
