‘Whispers’ from the Liverpool training facility suggest a $94 million move departure, despite Arne Slot’s ‘obsession’

Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, is renowned for placing a strong focus on his wingers. However, it seems the Reds are thinking about making a significant transfer choice this summer.

With Arne Slot ready to take over as Jürgen Klopp’s successor, Liverpool is in for a busy summer. While not having total power over transfers, the new Dutchman will discuss plans for them with Richard Hughes, the sporting director, when he takes over.

Apart from the contract difficulties affecting Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah, there is also doubt around Luis Díaz’s future. With 13 goals in all competitions, the Colombian has had his best season since moving from Porto.

He is still bound by the same conditions, nevertheless, as of January 2022. This indicates that, with three years remaining on his present contract, he is among the team’s lower-paid players.

Speculation that he would be moved this summer was fuelled by an article published in The Telegraph last month. Paris Saint-Germain is known to be a fan of the 27-year-old. While Díaz is valued at about $94 million (£75 million/€88 million), Barcelona is also interested in the player, but a move is improbable due to its financial problems.

It seems Liverpool officials have already considered the possibility that the winger would leave the team. The AXA Training Centre has ‘openly addressed’ the possibility of losing Díaz, according to the Liverpool ECHO.

A new winger may very well be pursued at the end of the season, according to rumours, and there are indications that his productivity may not satisfy players like Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. During his tenure at Feyenoord, Slot reportedly developed a strong ‘obsession’ with wide men, which he has been keen to bolster.

“I requested a large number of wingers from Dennis (Te Kloese, the CEO) at the start of the season since it is unrealistic to expect every winger to play well in every game and outperform their opponents. They are therefore the players who are substituted in the most frequently,” he said to The Athletic.

This season, Klopp has used all of his attackers in wide positions, although the only true wingers in the Liverpool lineup at the moment are Díaz and Salah. Salah is anticipated to stay, but Díaz’s future is far from certain, and Saudi Pro League teams will put Liverpool’s determination to the test once more.

According to Liverpool.com, Slot will need to add a few more players to his wish list if the Colombian is to leave, but Liverpool will struggle to find a player with his work ethic and skill set in the current crop of players. Right now, it appears that Liverpool would be wrong to let him go.