Liverpool ‘Likely’ to Sign £80m Real Madrid Star as Luis Diaz Replacement – Report | OneFootball

Rodrygo to Liverpool: L’Equipe Links Real Madrid Star with Anfield Move

According to an eye-catching report by L’Equipe, Liverpool could be about to make one of the standout transfers of the summer by bringing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to Anfield, currently valued at around £80million, should Luis Diaz depart. The Colombian winger has been linked with a move away and L’Equipe firmly states that Rodrygo would “without a doubt” be his replacement.

Rodrygo’s Fit into Liverpool’s Attack

Rodrygo, now 24, has been a pivotal figure for Real Madrid, offering pace, flair and incisive movement from wide positions. His Champions League experience and big-game mentality would be invaluable to Liverpool, especially in light of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing earlier this month. While Diaz has been an admired part of Liverpool’s recent success, there is a sense from L’Equipe that Rodrygo could provide a fresh dimension to Arne Slot’s attack.

Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, has inherited a fearsome forward line. Yet, as L’Equipe points out, the incoming Hugo Ekitiké adds another layer of intrigue. The Frenchman, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, is seen by Slot as a long-term number nine. While his finishing still needs sharpening, Slot appreciates his “selflessness, quality in combination play and his reading of situations,” according to the French outlet.

Photo: IMAGO

Ekitiké’s Aerial Ability Boosts Liverpool’s Options

One fascinating aspect raised by L’Equipe is Liverpool’s relative weakness in aerial situations. Last season, the Reds netted only twelve headed goals, five coming from centre-back Virgil van Dijk. Ekitiké’s heading ability could be crucial here, offering a different threat alongside Darwin Nuñez, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa.

Yet, if Nuñez were to move on, as speculated, the battle for starting roles remains fierce. Mohamed Salah remains untouchable on the right, Florian Wirtz promises to light up Anfield with his creativity, and Rodrygo, if signed, would bring an added spark to the left flank.

Slot’s Tactical Vision and the Future

Slot’s tactical nous has already captured the imagination of Liverpool fans. His ability to blend pressing intensity with positional flexibility has paid immediate dividends, delivering silverware at the first attempt. Adding players like Rodrygo and Ekitiké signals a clear intent to evolve further, not merely relying on last season’s formula.

As L’Equipe notes, “even if Darwin Nuñez leaves Merseyside, the competition for a starting spot would be as tense as ever.” That competitiveness is exactly what Slot seems to thrive on, driving each player to higher standards.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool supporters, this report from L’Equipe sets hearts racing. Rodrygo in a red shirt? That feels like the kind of marquee signing that echoes the ambition of a club determined to stay at the top. With Arne Slot proving himself a master tactician, adding someone of Rodrygo’s calibre would be electric.

Let’s not downplay the loss of Luis Diaz if he does depart, but Rodrygo offers something unique: the flair of a Brazilian international with Champions League pedigree, combined with youth and hunger. We can already imagine him linking up with Salah on the right and Wirtz through the middle, with Gakpo or Chiesa floating in — defences across the league should be terrified.

And let’s talk about Ekitiké. Some fans might have raised eyebrows at his arrival, but Slot’s belief in him counts for plenty. If the boss sees a world-class striker in the making, we’re here for it. The mention of improving Liverpool’s aerial threat is music to our ears, too. With Trent’s delivery and Robbo’s crosses, having someone who can dominate in the air alongside Van Dijk is long overdue.

Simply put, this L’Equipe report fuels belief that Liverpool are not just champions, they are building a dynasty. We cannot wait.