Coasting to the Premier League title at this moment in time, Arne Slot’s Liverpool could also be one trophy down next weekend when they face off against Newcastle United at Wembley in the EFL Cup final.
With the potential for a Champions League success to also be thrown into the mix down the line, it’s very clear that Slot’s first season in the English game has been anything but a learning curve, with the ex-Feyenoord boss taking to the known tricky climate like a duck to water instead.
Still, this approaching summer could be one of upheaval at Anfield, with talk centring in on the Dutchman selling some prized assets in the attacking areas which could include Luis Diaz’s sale.
The latest on Luis Diaz’s future at Anfield
Unlike Darwin Nunez who continues to blow hot and cold for the title-chasing Reds, Diaz has been a consistent performer in recent weeks for his star-studded side.
The ex-FC Porto winger could reportedly soon follow the Uruguayan out the door regardless, even as the entertaining 28-year-old now reaches nine goals and four assists in Premier League action this season, off the back of assisting Nunez for a rare top-flight strike against Southampton last time out.
£67m may allegedly be enough for Slot and Co to be tempted into parting ways as the likes of Barcelona line up attempting to pick up the 28-year-old, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold also considering his future at the Merseyside giants.
If Liverpool were to lose their slick number seven very shortly then the Reds may well have the ideal replacement already lined up.
Slot’s “sensational” Diaz replacement
There is still some time before the transfer window kicks back into gear, but the groundwork already looks to be in place for the Anfield side to try and secure a statement purchase.
As per a fresh report by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are willing to let Frenchman Kingsley Coman leave the building this summer, with Liverpool already establishing contact with Bayern having lodged an enquiry.
Described as “one of the best players in Europe when it comes to wingers” by Julian Nagelsmann, he has enjoyed a distinguished career with the Bavarian titans to date.
That included scoring a Champions League-winning header back in 2021 with Coman surely able to confidently slot into his new team and take on the mantle of replacing Diaz in his stride.
After all, the World Cup winner boasts an impressive 131 goal contributions and counting pulling on Bayern red, with the Paris-born forward’s regular explosiveness down the left flank even drawing direct similarities with the Colombian according to FBref’s similar players tool.
|
Coman vs Diaz since March 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat – per 90 mins |
Coman |
Diaz |
|
Total shots |
3.17 |
2.57 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
6.22 |
5.04 |
|
Attempted passes |
52.71 |
35.39 |
|
Pass completion % |
84.1% |
84.7% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.05 |
3.83 |
|
Progressive carries |
4.81 |
4.50 |
|
Successful take-ons |
2.76 |
2.33 |
|
Touches in attacking penalty area |
6.86 |
6.81 |
|
Progressive passes received |
15.95 |
10.66 |
|
Stats by FBref |
||
Looking at the table above, even whilst the South American has impressed under Slot, Coman betters his counterpart in many different areas of their respective attacking games over the last year, with the Bayern number 11 trumping Diaz when it comes to total shots on goal, shot-creating actions and lots more.
That’s the case despite Coman only starting 11 Bundesliga games this season under Vincent Kompany, meaning he could also be an inspired pick-up as an impact substitute.
Available for a fee around the £29m mark according to reports, this would represent smart business on Liverpool’s end if a deal could be secured, as Slot prepares to enter into his second season at the Anfield helm with a slight new look to his forward areas.
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