‘Szoboszlai biggest winner’ after Luis Diaz exit news at Liverpool
Luis Diaz could be set to leave Liverpool before the new Premier League campaign.
Bayern Munich have shown interest with a bid for the Colombian winger, who netted 13 goals in the league last season, as Liverpool drew level with Manchester United on 20 titles.
Arne Slot may already have Diaz’s replacement at his disposal.
Whilst many anticipated Slot to primarily use his new marquee signing in Florian Wirtz, as a number ten, the German can also play out wide.
That could make Dominik Szoboszlai a massive beneficiary.
Szoboszlai likely to play more if Diaz departs
After initially looking like one of the biggest losers as a result of Wirtz’s arrival in L4, this could all be set to change for Szoboszlai.
With reports from The Athletic (15 July) stating Bayern Munich have had a bid of £58.5million rejected for the Colombian international, Diaz’s departure looks to be edging closer.
Whilst the Reds are said to value Diaz at £86.7million and have no plans to sell, the 28-year-old has made it clear he wants to leave Merseyside.
With Wirtz being no stranger to playing out wide, regularly doing so for Germany and Bayer Leverkusen, Szoboszlai could be in line to retain his starting place in Slot’s midfield.
The Hungarian featured just ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for the bulk of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning campaign, scoring six goals whilst also providing six assists.
This midfield trio looked as though it would be broken up due to Wirtz, with only one of him or Szoboszlai likely able to start, with both players being more attacking-minded.
However, with Diaz now possibly heading for the exit door at Anfield, Szoboszlai may be able to breathe a sigh of relief, with his starting position seemingly looking safer than it did a few days ago.
A new winger could throw Szoboszlai’s position back in doubt
With Federico Chiesa potentially being viewed more as a striker by Slot, as opposed to a winger, Liverpool may decide to enter the market for a wide man if Diaz moves to Munich.
Rodrygo at Real Madrid could become an option if Liverpool hold out for their hefty asking price, with the funds from Diaz’s sale essentially covering the cost of his replacement.
If a player of Rodrygo’s calibre came in, you would assume the left wing position would become the Brazilians’ possession, moving Wirtz inside into the midfield and likely relegating Szoboszlai to the bench.
With the Reds’ pursuit of Alexander Isak seemingly stepping up, with a £130million bid launched, a notable sale, like Diaz, may be required if Slot also wants to bring another winger in during the window.
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