Liverpool's decision to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for €75 million (£65.6 million) marks the end of his impactful three-and-a-half-year tenure at Anfield. Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto for a total of around £43 million, was nearing 29 and had two years left on his contract without a planned extension, leading to this lucrative transfer.
In Diaz’s absence, Liverpool are placing significant faith in their 16-year-old academy talent Rio Ngumoha as a potential long-term replacement on the left wing. Ngumoha has already been heavily involved in pre-season under manager Arne Slot, who sees exciting potential in the youngster. Despite being young enough to play with the U18s, Ngumoha has demonstrated promising performances, notably during a recent pre-season friendly against AC Milan where he created the most chances, won the most duels, completed the most dribbles, and provided an assist, earning praise as “one of the best players on the pitch.”
Beyond Ngumoha, Liverpool will also rely on established winger Cody Gakpo, who had a better season than Diaz last year, as a primary starter, with other options like Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai available to fill the position depending on tactical adjustments. With new full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arriving, Slot might also alter Liverpool’s system so wide players operate more centrally, supporting forwards such as Mohamed Salah and a strike partner, potentially blending talents like Szoboszlai and Wirtz in advanced midfield roles.
This strategic evolution underscores Liverpool’s forward-thinking approach, balancing experience with youth as they prepare for life after Diaz. Ngumoha represents a promising future star, while alternatives and system flexibility provide depth and adaptability for Slot’s project moving forward.
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