Report: Reds’ Diaz Number One Target to “Replace Ronaldo” | OneFootball

Al Nassr Target Liverpool Star Diaz in Bold Summer Bid

Colombian forward attracting interest amid Saudi ambition

Al Nassr have identified Luis Diaz as a marquee summer target as the Saudi Pro League club intensify their recruitment drive ahead of the 2025/26 season. Liverpool are aware of the interest from Riyadh, with discussions surrounding the Colombian international’s future beginning to take shape.

Diaz, who joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million, has been vocal behind the scenes in pushing for improved terms at Anfield. His current deal runs until 2028, but his performances during the Reds’ title-winning campaign have inevitably drawn admiring glances from abroad.

Sources indicate that Diaz is now top of Al Nassr’s transfer shortlist – a development that arrives as the Saudi club contend with mounting uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.

Ronaldo speculation fuels transfer strategy

Cristiano Ronaldo’s cryptic message following Al Nassr’s final game of the season has left the club’s hierarchy preparing for all outcomes. The 40-year-old ended the campaign without silverware and was the subject of comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who alluded to “discussions” around Ronaldo potentially playing in the upcoming Club World Cup – a tournament for which Al Nassr have not qualified.

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With the prospect of losing their talisman, Al Nassr are believed to be shifting focus toward recruiting elite talent in their prime, and Diaz fits that profile. At 28, he is coming off his best season statistically in a Liverpool shirt – scoring 13 goals and registering five assists, second only to Mohamed Salah in combined goal involvements for the club.

Diaz thrives under Slot as Liverpool plan next moves

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has already made a positive impression on Diaz, deploying him not only on the wing but also through the middle in several key matches. The Dutchman has spoken highly of Diaz’s adaptability, making clear the Colombian’s importance to the squad.

Alongside Diaz, Liverpool’s scouting department are understood to be pursuing another Bundesliga standout – Florian Wirtz. The Bayer Leverkusen playmaker has just been named Bundesliga Player of the Year for the second season running, and is reportedly on the Reds’ radar as they look to reshape their attacking options.

This summer marks another chapter in the relationship between Liverpool and the Saudi Pro League. The Reds sanctioned high-profile departures last year, including Fabinho’s £40 million switch to Al Ittihad and Jordan Henderson’s £12 million move to Al Ettifaq. Those transfers unfolded amid heavy speculation over Salah’s future, with Al Ittihad making a concerted push to lure him to the Gulf.

Salah’s reflections highlight growing Saudi links

Mohamed Salah has since reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, but his comments on Saudi interest provided a rare window into negotiations. Speaking to On Sport, he said:

As Al Nassr move swiftly to reinforce their squad and potentially usher in a new era post-Ronaldo, Diaz’s situation will be closely monitored. Liverpool, meanwhile, face the familiar challenge of balancing competitive ambition with managing interest from Saudi Arabia’s financial might.