NewsLiverpool enter race for “exceptional” £38m Diaz heir, it’s a better deal than Rodrygo. – Report

Liverpool joins the competition for the “exceptional” £38m replacement for Diaz, which is a more advantageous deal than Rodrygo – opinion

 

 

 

A more favorable deal than Rodrygo: Liverpool enters the competition to acquire a £38m substitute for Diaz.

 

 

 

At the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Liverpool found themselves at the base of an insurmountable challenge following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but Arne Slot has since demonstrated that he is a highly capable successor.

 

 

 

He clinched the Premier League title in his inaugural season, after all.

 

 

 

The Dutch manager achieved this with minimal investment in the transfer market, with Federico Chiesa being the sole first-team signing, and he only started once in the league throughout the entire year.

 

 

 

However, Liverpool has now strengthened their position and is financially prepared to invest significantly this summer, as evidenced by their recent acquisitions, including the British-record signing of Florian Wirtz for £116m.

 

 

 

A potential transfer for Alexander Isak is still under consideration.

 

 

 

Nevertheless, with Luis Diaz transfer to Bayern Munich, there may be a need for a new left winger as well.

 

 

 

Reasons behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz.

 

 

 

Diaz has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top wingers in recent years. His impressive tally of 25 goal contributions last season was surpassed only by Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool surged to the league title.

 

 

 

However, the 28-year-old is now in the penultimate year of his contract, and discussions regarding an extension have not reached a consensus among the involved parties.

 

 

 

The Colombian has also made it clear to the club’s management that he wishes to depart this summer.

 

 

 

Such requests are undoubtedly motivated by financial aspirations, which are reasonable, but it remains true that Slot would prefer not to retain a discontented key player in the squad.

 

 

 

The prospect of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is thrilling, especially with the Brazilian frequently linked to the Reds recently, the financial implications would be excessive, particularly with a deal for Isak in progress.

 

 

 

Instead, FSG may be persuaded to pursue a more strategic approach.

 

 

 

Liverpool has entered the competition for an alternative to Rodrygo.

 

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool is now in the running for RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, although it is noted that Rodrygo still remains on FSG’s radar.

 

 

 

At just 20 years old, Nusa is at the beginning of his professional journey but has already garnered praise for his performances.

 

 

 

Previous reports this summer indicated that Newcastle United showed interest, suggesting he could be signed for a fee of €45m (£38m).

 

 

 

Considering this price is significantly lower than the initial £78m valuation placed on Rodrygo by Los Blancos, it is likely that FSG will be keen to explore this opportunity.

 

 

 

Reasons for Liverpool to acquire Antonio Nusa.

 

 

 

Cody Gakpo is set to continue as Liverpool’s primary left-sided forward next season, having matched Diaz’s 25 goal contributions last year. Pundit Peter Crouch noted that he has

 

 

 

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has praised his fellow countryman’s abilities, stating: “He’s exceptional. We must be cautious not to place excessive pressure on him, despite his immense talent. What is most important is his ongoing growth.”

 

 

 

Additionally, he is a diligent defensive player, repaying his manager’s trust by striving for success in various aspects of the game. Last season in the Bundesliga, Nusa averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per match, according to Sofascore.

 

 

 

FBref supports these observations. The analytics-focused site has shown that he ranked in the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe last season for successful take-ons and in the top 19% for tackles per 90 minutes.

 

 

 

Having become the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history two years ago, one could argue that he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of someone like Rodrygo and rise to stardom on Europe’s premier stage. He is indeed a ‘future icon’, wouldn’t you agree?

 

 

 

Of course, Rodrygo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions last year, underscoring that Nusa has yet to reach that level. Nevertheless, the Norwegian is a remarkable talent with the makings of something extraordinary.

 

 

 

Rodrygo is undoubtedly one of the top wide forwards in the world. However, he left much to be desired last season, netting only six league goals.

 

 

 

He is a significant presence on the grand stage, and joining Liverpool would offer him a fresh opportunity.

 

 

 

But is it worth paying double the amount for Nusa? It seems illogical, as the 20-year-old is on a path to greatness.