Liverpool still have business to conduct this summer, after securing the signing of Hugo Ekitike on Wednesday.

Ekitike became the fourth major arrival at Anfield, joining Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez as another exciting Arne Slot signing.

Slot has been reshaping the Liverpool squad after a year of working with the team left behind by Jurgen Klopp, and he could yet make further changes.

One of the biggest swaps could come at left wing, where the future of Luis Diaz has been hotly debated over recent weeks.

Bayern Munich great explains how Liverpool won Florian Wirtz transfer battle - 'Quite astonishing'	Liverpool not viewing Rodrygo as Luis Diaz replacement	Rodrygo ‘currently’ not seen as potential Luis Diaz replacement

Diaz has been subject to interest from Bayern Munich, and as the Bavarians reportedly prepare to test Liverpool with a second bid, there is a chance the Colombian could leave.

Should that happen, Liverpool will need a replacement, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes tipped to be in the mix.

But according to former Reds defender Steve Nicol, Rodrygo would be a downgrade on Diaz.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

If Liverpool do sell Diaz, they would likely bank a very healthy fee for the 28-year-old.

The Reds have been adamant that he will not be going anywhere, and it would take big money to change their mind.

Speaking on ESPN FC, though, Nicol suggested that if it were up to him, he would stand firm on the ‘not for sale’ stance.

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Asked whether he would pick Diaz or Rodrygo for Liverpool, the pundit was in no doubt that the Colombia international is the better option.

“I would rather have Luis Diaz,” Nicol answered.

I think Luis Diaz has been way more consistent and has big moments.”

READ MORE: Liverpool are looking at the wrong Luis Diaz replacement, an ‘important’ option is there for the taking

With the question then thrown to former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, Nicol saw his argument backed up.

“I think for Liverpool, yes [Diaz is a better fit],” said Onuoha.

“I think Luis Diaz has a got a little bit more bite about him as well, not saying Rodrygo doesn’t have it, but I think in terms of some of the physicality of the Premier League and the way Liverpool need to play at times, I think Luis Diaz can match that sort of energy, whereas I think Rodrygo might come a little bit short there.

“Yes, he has the talent, but as we can see in the Premier League you almost need to be a complete player to have a big influence for some of these bigger clubs.”

While Rodrygo could be a genuine option for Liverpool if they need to replace Diaz later this summer, it has never felt an especially likely transfer to happen.

Although Liverpool almost signed Rodrygo before he left Brazil as a very young player, the 24-year-old is now a completely different beast.

A Real Madrid superstar and an important player for the Brazilian national team, Rodrygo is not necessarily the kind of profile Liverpool usually target.

As a result, it was no surprise to see journalist James Pearce cool talk of a move to Anfield for Rodrygo on Wednesday.

“Liverpool yet to receive an improved bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz” Pearce posted on X.
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