Despite links continuing to surface between Luis Diaz and Liverpool, it seems highly unlikely at this stage that the Reds will look to invest serious cash in signing the Colombian this window.
James Pearce certainly confirmed as much in an update for The Athletic, with a £67m release clause presenting a significant stumbling block to a mid-season move.
The reaction online was varied, though a number of fans were keen to point out on Twitter that the winger could provide suitable competition for Sadio Mane in light of recent criticism aimed at the Senegalese international’s performances of late.
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The suggestion that we need cover up top – particularly given that, firstly, Divock Origi could be due to part ways with us in the near future and our traditional front-three have contracts set to expire in 2023 – is far from unwise.
However, the financial reality at play is that it would set us back a considerable amount to pursue a target who could effectively lose their place as soon as our African contingent has returned from their international commitments.
Some forward planning has to be a must for the recruitment team by the summer window, though there are notable complications that will more than likely prevent a mid-season switch for Diaz to the English top-flight.
When it comes to Sadio Mane, we hardly feel that the No.10’s outings recently should provide cause for concern either, with the forward’s limited goals evidently the focus of much criticism beyond the quality of his perfomances.
You can catch some of the fan reaction below:
https://twitter.com/d11ruf/status/1479151028486483981
What happened to positive competition? Jota/Firmino, Robbo/Tsimikas, the midfielders when all fit??? It brings the best out of players and Mane hasn’t exactly been unbelievable this season, might just be the kick up the arse he needs aswell as prepping for the future.
— Statto (@StattoLFC) January 6, 2022
With the exception of Mo, none of our forwards are irreplaceable. This notion that we have a front three and they're irreplaceable is bizarre. Firmino and Mane are washed. They've been phenomenal but they're past their best.
— Mark Harrison (@MarkLouis81) January 6, 2022
Mane needs replacing/competition he’s declined over 2 years. We have an old squad, we need way more quality depth. We need players of Diaz calibre as starters or on the bench. Or we accept Man City & Chelsea winning the league which would lack ambition imo
— Okotb (@Okotb22) January 6, 2022
Long term Mane replacement..hardly a squad player after the summer when Manes sold.
— Tony Kelly (@tkell82) January 6, 2022
#Ep29 of The Red Nets Podcast: COVID strikes again, who should Liverpool sign in January… and more!
I’m not sure there’s any “problem with Liverpool”, but there is definitely a problem with a number of noisy “followers” of the club.
The approach taken by the club has given is Klopp, Virgil, Alisson, Mo, Fabinho, the Champions League, the Premier League title and made us World Champions for the first time in our history.
I really struggle why anyone following football would want their team to follow the route where you are basically a whore in the sports washing machine of a dodgy regime or at the whim of a oddball oligarch?
The boss famously said, he doesn’t sign players to come and “ride the train”, he signs players who will “push the train”. Take a look at Ronaldo and Lukaku and tell me you prefer that, take a look at what Benjamin Mendy is up to this weekend and tell me you want a bit of that.