Liverpool Should Keep Luis Diaz This Summer Despite £70m Saudi Interest – Opinion | OneFootball

Why Luis Diaz Should Stay at Liverpool This Summer – Even If the Numbers Say Sell

There’s a sense of inevitability about the changes at Liverpool this summer. With Arne Slot in charge and having just delivered a Premier League title in his debut season, the temptation to reshape the squad is understandable. But while change is necessary, it’s vital we don’t lose sight of what worked and Luis Diaz worked.

The Colombian forward ended the 2024/25 campaign with 24 goal contributions across all competitions, including a personal-best 13 Premier League goals and five assists. Even more telling was his role in the title run-in, netting four and assisting three in his final ten appearances. His shift to a central role in the front line was a fascinating tactical tweak, and while he may never be a traditional number nine, Diaz’s versatility is another trait to add to his long list of positives.

He was never just about numbers though. His relentless work rate, positional intelligence and versatility across the front three made him invaluable.

Photo: IMAGO

Nunez and Jota Exit Make Footballing Sense

In any discussion around Diaz’s future, you can’t ignore the dominoes around him. Darwin Nunez looks set for the exit door. Whether it’s Atletico Madrid, Napoli or Saudi Arabia, the Uruguayan’s future seems far from Anfield. Diogo Jota, meanwhile, is attracting interest from the likes of Wolves and several other Premier League clubs. While talented, Jota’s injury record and hefty wages make him a luxury that Liverpool may need to rethink heading into next season.

In contrast, Diaz is reportedly still on a considerably lower wage, one that has remained the same since arriving from FC Porto in 2022. If that’s accurate, bumping him to Jota’s salary bracket and letting the Portuguese forward go would seem a more logical choice. From a footballing perspective, it’s not even close. Diaz played more, contributed more, and remained fit when it mattered.

And with versatility increasingly valuable in Slot’s fluid system, Diaz’s ability to play wide or centrally gives him an edge over both Nunez and Jota. If someone has to leave to help fund new signings like Florian Wirtz, I would be starting with the less reliable, less consistent options.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Realities Are Hard to Ignore

That said, Liverpool are not operating with endless funds. Diaz turns 29 in January, and with only two years remaining on his current contract, his peak value may well be this summer. If Barcelona or a Saudi club puts £70-75 million on the table, the economic argument to sell becomes a reality.

The concern isn’t just about the fee now, but what happens next. Do Liverpool want to commit to a long-term deal for a player entering his thirties? Handing Diaz a new long-term contract could leave the club locked into high wages and a diminishing resale value.

Slot’s System Needs Stability Amongst the Heavy Changes

This is a Liverpool squad already undergoing major transition. Jurgen Klopp’s departure marked the end of an era, and Slot’s arrival has seen the start of a new one. There is already question marks over the futures of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota.

So far, Slot’s changes have been subtle but effective and I wouldn’t expect him to completely neglect that approach this summer.

If the strategy this summer is to fund a mega-deal for Wirtz – a player expected to operate between the left and the number 10 role – then Diaz becomes even more valuable as cover across all forward positions. Chiesa, if he goes, leaves another gap. Diaz staying gives Slot a proven, talented and versatile forward and one less gap to plug before the start of the season.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool have already signed a right-back in Jeremie Frimpong and are closing in on deals for a left-back in Milos Kerkez and an attacking midfielder in Wirtz. After that, Slot will be looking to add a centre-forward and a central defender to his ranks. There’s even a case to sign a deep-lying midfield option, so there’s a lot to do before even contemplating signing a new left-winger.

Liverpool Should Back Diaz – Then Cash In Later if Needed

If I’m in Richard Hughes’ shoes, I’m not cashing in on Diaz now. I’m either giving him a contract extension or banking on Saudi interest reigniting next summer. By next summer, if Wirtz has truly exploded onto the scene and Diaz’s minutes are declining, you can revisit the situation with far more leverage.

Letting him leave now just to balance the books feels like a short-term fix that creates a longer-term headache. His contribution to a title-winning side should be recognised.

And crucially, this isn’t sentiment talking. It’s logic. Jota and Nunez are less efficient and less reliable, whilst Chiesa never clicked. Among Liverpool’s forward options, Diaz is one of the few constants who genuinely fits what Slot is building.

So yes, I get the financial logic. But from a footballing perspective – which should still matter most – keeping Luis Diaz this summer is the only move that truly makes sense.