Liverpool candidate list £75 million Rodrigo replacement

Liverpool doesn’t want to sell Lewis Diaz this summer, but they may have to. Keeping players in books where the mind is set elsewhere is an unfortunate move, and the Colombians want to leave Anfield.

You can see his case. Diaz, 28, is one of the best wingers in the game, but has earned a relatively modest salary at Liverpool, entering his second to second year of contract.

Diaz wants wages to rise, but Liverpool isn’t willing to see him sign.

He was a key part of his success last season. Diaz scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions at Liverpool, his best return at the club.

His electric pace, tenacious fights and versatility proved perfect for Arneslot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to a Premier League title.

However, Bayern Munich has been obsessed with their bids to sign the Colombian winger, and has already seen a £58.5 million bid this summer being knocked back.

However, Sky Germany has confirmed that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign new strikers, his sales at mammoth rate probably aren’t that bad in the long run.

Latest news from Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt is one of the most coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United are both interested, but perhaps the Reds will win. The French will submit a transfer request on Thursday to seal the deal with Anfield.

The value of the 100 million euro (£85 million) Ekitique is quite costly, but he is worth it and is already considered by analyst Ben Matinson as “one of the best strikers.”

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isaac was the first choice for sports director Richard Hughes, but Magpie refused to make Liverpool’s progress, so the Reds instead stole the best target.

He’s not as good as ISAK, but the 23-year-old has the potential to be Sky High and has a real chance to move forward for years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.

Diaz spent quite a bit of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, but he’s on the left front to his core. Darwin Nunes has probably also been turned off, so Liverpool may need to sign the winger to go with Ekitique.

Liverpool line up Louis Diaz Hyer

According to Talksport’s Alex Crook, Liverpool is approaching signing him a year ago and is interested in signing Anthony Gordon of Newcastle.

England International, 24, is valued at £755 million, with specific moves dependent on Diaz’s future. However, years of interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation allowed him to see him pushing his return to Anfield and leaving Liverpool’s academy as 11 years old.

Real Madrid’s Rodrigo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary discussions being held, but Gordon might be the one to go.

Why Liverpool wants Anthony Gordon

At Cody Gakpo, Liverpool has a prolific, proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure calls for a direct replacement, with Rodrigo stunningly signing, but Arsenal has also been in favor of interest, with Real Madrid looking for more than £87 million.

Gordon is more than an acceptable fallback. The Newcastle star has been one of the finest in the Premier League in the past few years, a fast runner with his incredible approach to football, and his teammate Bruno Guimares describes him as “special.”

Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mold Diaz leaves behind, and this dynamic skill set could be perfect for Ekitique’s young striker.

Of course, Ekitique leads the supply line with things like Mohamed Sarah and Florian Wiltz, but at Gordon, Liverpool is able to preserve the energy and integrity that Diaz brings to the table.

Anyway, Toon’s talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he can throw away with Diaz and actually Rodrigo.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we distort the data a little. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty of what was desired, but he was a strength to consider his previous season.

Looking at that 2023/24 semester, comparing it to Rodrigo and Dias’ league efforts, we see that he could make a fair impression at Liverpool.

A lot of effort. Gordon’s performance, culminating in 21 goal contributions in the year he was hit by Newcastle’s injuries, led to the honor of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season at Tyneside and an illustration of his high-level performance abilities.

And his high duel rate, creativity and efficacy enhance the ekichike when he makes his maiden in England, but the centre forward certainly can return favors.

In fact, according to FBREF, Ekitike ranked in the top 4% of assists before Europe’s top 5 leagues last season, top 6% of shot-making action, and top 4% of both progressive carry and successful take-ons per 90.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything but a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he is rewarded with parts to make a permanent team of champions.