MAJOR BOOST FOR LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS! Reds line up leading candidates to succeed Luis Díaz
Anfield still hums with memories of Luis Díaz’s electric speed and Colombian swagger, the kind that tore defences apart on the way to last season’s Premier League triumph. But midway through the current campaign, the left flank feels noticeably quieter. Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich created a gap that hasn’t gone unnoticed, and growing murmurs suggest Liverpool are preparing to address it when summer arrives.
Díaz wasn’t merely a wide option — he was pure disruption. In his final year in red, he delivered 13 league goals and five assists, boasting a dribble success rate of 58% according to Opta. His ability to beat defenders at will and fire in dangerous deliveries gave Liverpool a constant attacking edge.
Unable to settle on a new contract, he departed for Bavaria in a £65 million deal. He’s flourished there, scoring nine times already this season and even producing a goal worthy of year-end honours. For Bayern, it’s paid off — but at Anfield, the absence is glaring.
Behind the scenes, there was optimism that Rio Ngumoha might evolve into the long-term answer. The 17-year-old, snapped up from Chelsea’s academy, shone during pre-season with goals and assists. However, under Arne Slot, his chances have been limited.
Ngumoha has logged just 83 Premier League minutes in 2025–26, mostly as a late substitute, though he did net against Newcastle. Slot has leaned heavily on Cody Gakpo on the left, but while dependable, the Dutchman’s seven goals at the season’s halfway point fall well short of last year’s tally at the same stage. The contrast has only highlighted the need for a more explosive presence.
According to The Sunday Times, the issue is clear: Liverpool’s biggest shortcoming since Díaz’s exit has been the lack of a winger capable of consistently beating his man — a flaw the club is keen to fix in the next window.
That assessment signals intent. Club leadership remains firmly behind Slot, praising his character and tireless approach, and the deadline-day signing of young French defender Jérémy Jacquet, arriving in the summer, reflects a long-term vision. Still, strengthening the wing now tops the agenda.
Speculation over targets is intensifying. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, valued around £87 million, is widely admired, with former Red Emile Heskey highlighting the fear he instils in defenders and the space that creates for teammates. PSG’s Bradley Barcola, previously monitored, could also come into focus if his role in Paris remains limited. Cheaper internal solutions like Lewis Koumas have been mentioned, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo sits at the premium end of the scale.
With squad changes looming and contracts under review, a busy summer looks inevitable. Slot’s philosophy leans on youth, but pairing promise with proven match-winners may be the key to rediscovering Liverpool’s title-contending spark.
