Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly close to signing FC Porto winger Luis Diaz. Liverpool are without the services of star forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in January as both players are presenting their countries in the Africa Cup Of Nations. So signing a quality rotational option will give a big boost for the Reds who are contending for the Premier League title.
The 24-year-old Portuguese winger is one of the most sought-out strikers in Europe right now and drawing the attention of big clubs. Diaz is capable of playing on both wings and as in forward or in number ten role also. Diaz has scored 12 goals in 15 league matches, and also 2 more goals in Champions League this season.
Diaz also scored 11 goals last season and was the top goal-scorer in Copa America 2020-21 competition with 4 goals alongside Lionel Messi. Porto are currently at the top of the table in the Primeira Liga but knocked out of the Champions League from group stages last month.
Liverpool Close To Secure Diaz Deal In Less Than Release Clause:
According to a report from the Sun, Liverpool are close to striking a deal in the region of £60 million for Diaz who has a release clause of £67 million. FC Porto have sanctioned the move because the Reds are willing to sign him this month instead of the upcoming summer.
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RE: Luis Diaz to Liverpool.
“It is almost ready.” [@RomarioQR] pic.twitter.com/1PTIkGpbo2— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) January 6, 2022
Both Liverpool and Porto were drawn in the same group in the Champions League. And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was impressed with Diaz in both fixtures. Liverpool have Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino available to play in number nine roles but with Salah and Mane missing the January fixtures, it will be hard to fill up two positions.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian has impressed in midfield this season and can be deployed on right-wing and Diaz on Left-wing. Harvey Elliot is also capable of playing on the left-wing role but he is currently recovering from the foot injury he received in the early stages of this season.
Liverpool lost two big points in their latest 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Now the Merseyside giants sit in 3rd position in the league table with 42 points, 11 points behind leaders Manchester City but have an extra game in hand. Liverpool campaign is under big Covid-19 outbreak which saw their today’s scheduled EFL Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal getting postponed.