Liverpool Set to Hold ‘Crunch Talks’ with £60m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz Set for Showdown Talks Amid Exit Speculation

Luis Diaz’s Liverpool future is hanging in the balance, with Football Insider reporting the club is preparing “showdown talks” with the Colombian winger following recent contract breakthroughs for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. While those deals signal Liverpool’s intent to retain key senior players, Diaz’s situation is altogether more uncertain.

Signed in January 2022 from FC Porto, Diaz has grown into a vital part of the Reds’ attacking setup. With 15 goals across all competitions this season—his best return in a Liverpool shirt—he’s become one of Arne Slot’s most effective outlets. However, as Football Insider rightly points out, he remains on the same contract he signed when he arrived, earning a reported £55,000 per week.

In today’s Premier League wage structure, especially for a first-choice forward at a title-challenging club, that figure is far below market rate. It’s no surprise then, that talks are now being fast-tracked after Salah and Van Dijk’s renewals were finalised.

Photo: IMAGO

Clubs Circling as Exit Becomes Likely

The sense of urgency isn’t just internal. According to Football Insider and corroborated by other sources such as TEAMtalk, the likelihood of Diaz departing this summer is “sky high.” Reports state Liverpool would be willing to sanction a sale if a £60 million bid lands on the table.

That valuation appears to be well within reach for clubs in the Saudi Pro League. “Our sources indicate SPL deal-makers would be willing to meet Liverpool’s valuation and the gigantic salary they’ll put on the table will appeal to Diaz too,” states the report. It’s a sentiment that paints a clear picture: if a club is willing to offer both Liverpool and Diaz what they want, this move is more probable than possible.

Barcelona also reportedly maintain an interest, although whether they can match the financial clout of Saudi clubs remains in question. What is certain is that should Diaz leave, Liverpool will have to move swiftly in a rapidly evolving transfer market to secure a replacement.

Slot’s Summer Overhaul Well Underway

It’s worth noting that Diaz isn’t the only significant figure who could leave Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold looks increasingly likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, and Darwin Nunez is also expected to depart for Saudi Arabia. As Football Insider outlines, “Additions are also being sought at centre-back, left-back, central midfield and striker.”

Arne Slot is guiding Liverpool through a title-challenging campaign, but the summer ahead will be a true test of his managerial mettle. The Dutchman is shaping the squad in his own image, and decisions like those surrounding Diaz are indicative of the cold, calculated moves required at the elite level.

Photo: IMAGO

Diaz’s Contributions Cannot Be Ignored

It’s easy to understand why the club want to review Diaz’s situation. Despite intense speculation, he has continued to perform at a high level. A tally of 15 goals from the wing, combined with his tireless work rate and ability to break lines, has been crucial to Liverpool’s attack.

Still, football is a business, and the club must balance sentiment with strategy. Diaz’s contract is not just a reflection of his past—it must align with the club’s future wage structure and strategic priorities. As Football Insider notes, Diaz’s future is “about to be decided.” If no new deal is reached, expect movement—fast.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report is both concerning and understandable.

First off, it’s baffling that a player as influential as Luis Diaz is still on his original terms. £55,000 per week may seem substantial, but in footballing terms—and for a starting forward in a title-challenging team—it’s not just underwhelming, it’s disrespectful. His consistency and drive have often galvanised the team, especially when Salah or Nunez haven’t fired.

That said, if the club has already budgeted for a summer overhaul, there’s a financial logic to cashing in while Diaz’s value is high. Still, £60m feels slightly under par, especially when considering what it could cost to bring in a replacement of similar calibre. If Barcelona and Saudi clubs are genuinely in the mix, Liverpool must play the long game here. Bidding wars should be encouraged, not avoided.

There’s also the emotional aspect. Fans have grown to love Diaz’s fearless style and flair. He plays like someone who understands what it means to wear the shirt. Letting that kind of passion walk away without exhausting all contract avenues would be tough to swallow.

Arne Slot faces a huge test this summer. How he handles key exits—particularly someone like Diaz—will speak volumes about his strategy. Supporters will back a rebuild, but only if they see ambition and fairness in the club’s dealings.