Liverpool ‘to secure huge upgrade as Slot replaces Diaz with Rodrygo’
Liverpool’s transfer business has already put the rest of the Premier League on notice.
Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Anfield further elevates Liverpool’s position as one of the best teams in Europe.
If the Reds can also get a move for Alexander Isak over the line, then Arne Slot’s side will arguably be favourites to win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League next season.
With Luis Diaz seemingly on his way out, Liverpool could use the funds they get from selling the Colombian to attract another statement signing to Merseyside.
Liverpool should sign Rodrygo to replace Diaz
Diaz does not look to be the only winger departing Liverpool, with Federico Chiesa also potentially leaving the club.
These two potential departures make it essential for FSG to have drawn up a shortlist of wingers who could fill the vacancy that could soon be available on the left-hand side of Slot’s forward line.
Signing a left-winger would mean Slot is also able to utilise Wirtz as an attacking midfielder, as opposed to playing the German out wide.
Rodrygo at Real Madrid has been a name linked with a move to Anfield, and would be an ideal replacement for Diaz.
| Rodrygo | Stats La Liga (2024/25 season) |
| Starts | 22 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
With Hugo Ekitike also close to Liverpool, their new left-winger must be able to link up with the Frenchman.
In Rodrygo, Liverpool would be signing a winger who is a better ball carrier than Diaz, while also being more creative.
According to stats courtesy of FBRef, Rodrygo recorded 113 progressive carries as opposed to the 108 managed by Diaz, despite the Liverpool forward playing 473 more minutes in the league last season.
During his considerably fewer minutes, Rodrygo also recorded 4.2 expected assists compared to Diaz’s 4.5, meaning Rodrygo is a far more creative player out wide.
This is further reinforced when comparing their crossing data, with Rodrygo recording 81 crosses last season compared to just 32 from Diaz.
Rodrygo would suit Ekitike and Isak better than Diaz
The data shows that while Diaz is more of a goalscorer on the wing, Rodrygo is a more traditional out-and-out creative winger who would supply the potential new signings of Ekitke and Isak with better service than Diaz.
At just 24, Slot could also develop the Brazilian even further to become more of a threat in front of goal.
At Madrid, Rodrygo can find himself in the shadows of stars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, but with more regular playing time in his preferred position on the left, Rodrygo could become one of the best players in the world.
Selling a 28-year-old Diaz who already wants to leave to bring in a younger winger who will link up with the Reds’ new striker better next season is a no-brainer.
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