Liverpool’s attacking options have never looked this deep.

And with pre-season in full swing, the pressure to impress is real.

Every forward knows that a new face can shift the pecking order overnight.

Right now, all eyes are on Hugo Ekitike, the latest big-money arrival.

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Luis Diaz finds himself at the centre of speculation again.

The Colombian has been a key part of Liverpool’s attack since joining in January 2022.

But he hasn’t signed a new deal yet.

He turns 29 in January and has two years left on his current contract.

Bayern Munich are back at the table after their first €67.5m offer was turned down.

Liverpool rejected it quickly — they value Diaz at €100m, and they’ve made it clear they don’t want to sell.

Still, when clubs like Bayern start circling, things can change fast.

Especially when someone new walks through the door with confidence, versatility, and the intent to compete directly for your role.

That’s what makes Ekitike’s arrival interesting — and potentially significant for Diaz’s future at Anfield.

Ekitike completed a £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt and has already joined up with the squad in Hong Kong.

And when asked about his role, he didn’t hesitate.

“I mean, I do what the coach asks me to do, but yeah, I like to do everything,” he told the club’s website.

“I can’t define myself only as a striker (who likes) to finish: I like to play, I like to be in the game, in the collective part of play (and) create also.”

“So, I can do both – I can play alone and I like to play also with another striker and I think that’s what makes me versatile, but you know now in football you need to adapt.”

That last line — “you need to adapt” — might be simple, but it says a lot.

Ekitike isn’t here to play one position.

He’s ready to rotate across the front line, which puts him in direct competition with players like Diaz.

Liverpool are still tracking Newcastle’s Alexander Isak too.

If that deal happens, the attacking reshuffle could get even more crowded.

Ekitike’s comments suggest he’s not just a backup striker.

He’s here to fight for minutes, even on the wings.

He also spoke highly of the club’s ambition this summer.

“This summer transfer window was great for the club, they bring so much quality,” Ekitike said.

“I think the team will be better, I’m sure about that.

That’s why the fans are pretty happy.”

“Obviously Liverpool are already on the top but we have still things to reach.”

“That’s why we want to be the best and need to improve every season to go and reach the success.”

“It’s going to be a difficult season and a long season, but we have the quality to reach everything I think.”

“I think I did well last season.”

“Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do.”

“That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here.”

He’s confident.

He’s versatile.

And he’s hungry.

That combination could spell trouble for Diaz — if Bayern come back with a serious bid, Liverpool may have a real decision to make.

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