Liverpool is preparing to defend their Premier League titles, and FSG’s ambitions have been proven through massive spending that has been in effect over the past few months.
And it’s probably coming more. Napoli was interested as it was being promoted for Darwin Nunes to leave, but had withdrawn the name due to differences in ratings. Thus, sports director Richard Hughes is perusing the market for potential strikers to lead the line over the next few years.
Nunes’ struggles to adapt to Arne Slot’s tactics have been well documented last season, with the Dutch coach even saying he can’t “accept” the 25-year-old’s power rate after a string of performances in February.
Since Boxing Day, only one Premier League started, with Nunes being replaced by Luis Diaz in ninth place.
But Diaz may be on the move now.
Latest news on the future of Liverpool in Lewis Dias
Diaz scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions last season, actually playing a decent chunk of his football as a makeshift striker for Liverpool.
While there’s no denying that he is one of the most important parts of Slot’s team, Diaz is 28 years old and enters his second to second year on a contract of £55,000 a week. Despite Liverpool putting Barcelona’s approach aside last month, concrete discussions for a new deal do not appear to come.
However, interest continues. It is understood that Bayern Munich has recently agreed to personal terms with the Colombians, and Liverpool’s attitude remains the same, but favorable offers could change the narrative.
Diaz is one of Europe’s best wingers in the Premier League, but there’s good reason for his summer move, especially if Liverpool is receiving a compelling offer.
And in fact, it appears that Slot and Hughes have already identified successors.
Liverpool line up Diaz’s successors
According to France’s RMC Sports, Liverpool took part in the race for Lyon Winger Malik Faufana, who is also on the radar in Bayern Munich and Marseille.
Chelsea was previously interested, but Jamie Gittens’ £51.5 million signature from Borussia Dortmund should not take into consideration them (emphasising that “should”).
Lyon’s economic struggle could ease Liverpool’s negotiations, but the League One outfit could demand something in the 50 million euro (£43 million) region.
What Marik Fofana brings to Liverpool
Fofana may be just 20 years old, but he has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting offensive talents. Over 62 appearances with Lyon, he scored 15 goals and provided seven assists.
He’s not polished and needs enough coaching to reach Diaz’s smooth levels as a Premier League powerhouse, but the material is absolutely there. He praised his “style, sw walking, charisma” on the field by journalist Antonio Mango, who insisted in May that he could take over Diaz in Liverpool if South America left.
Fofana’s pace and power as a winger makes a strong proposal that he is the successor to left-wing TaylorMade. For example, last season, he only started 23 times, but still hit 17 goal contributions in all competitions, with Mango calling him a “game changer.”
Furthermore, Fofana shows us to look at mysterious goals.
It would be difficult to exchange Diaz’s uniqueness. Not only is he a dynamic athlete, he is intelligent and delighted to perform across all many roles to bring his slot projects closer to success.
However, there is logic in FSG’s hesitation to expand Diaz’s trading. He has not proven accurately a lasting multi-nonymous winger in his time at Anfield, and it flowed from form throughout the points of the 2024/25 campaign.
Diaz and Cody Gappo provided equal offensive power that only Mohamed Sarah could have outperformed. By signing a new striker on the card, the reorientation of the threat of Liverpool’s target could actually work in the favor of Fofana, allowing him to arrive without the responsibility of emulating Diaz’s form from off.
League Statistics 24/25 – Malic Fofana vs Lewis Diaz | ||
---|---|---|
Statistics (*per game) | head | Diaz |
Match (start) | 29 (16) | 36 (28) |
the goal | 5 | 13 |
assist | 4 | 5 |
Shot (target)* | 1.1 (0.5) | 2.0 (0.8) |
I missed a big opportunity | 4 | 11 |
Pass completed | 84% | 86% |
A big opportunity has been created | 6 | 8 |
Key Pass* | 0.9 | 1.6 |
dribble* | 0.8 | 1.5 |
Tackle* | 1.1 | 1.1 |
The duel won* | 2.9 | 3.8 |
Statistics via Sofascore |
However, the limited start action across all competitions at Fofana did not stop him from showing a promising clinical edge. According to FBREF, Belgian International ranks in one of the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers, with the top 2% of progressive carry per 90 scoring in the top 5 leagues of Europe.
Carries are considered progressive if the ball moves from the starting point towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards or more, or is carried into the penalty area.
Looking at Fofana’s clear 84% pass rate in the first half of Ligue 1, there is certainly a good reason why Liverpool will sign and sign him before moving forward and sign him.
Given Diaz’s stocks are currently high, Liverpool could also reach economic benefits by taking this series of moves. This could prove particularly important given that signing a new centre forward is indeed a priority for Reds.
By relieving pressure on his left flank, Gakpo signs Fofana before he hits Prime, should prove a spectacular move from FSG. A rival who will look back on VY Nozomi over the next few years.
He hasn’t fully developed yet, but there’s a lot to love about this Diaz-esque talent. Isn’t that the way Liverpool does it?
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