According to a report from Liverpool Echo, there have been rumours connecting Luis Diaz to a surprising switch to Barcelona, potentially involving Frenkie de Jong making a move in the opposite direction to Liverpool.
Diaz’s Campaign With Liverpool So Far This Season
Diaz kicked off his time at Anfield impressively, showcasing several outstanding performances. However, a recent distressing incident involved with the kidnapping of his family members in Colombia has seen him sidelined recently. Despite this adversity, the 26-year-old managed to score four times in 14 appearances for the Reds across various competitions.
The Columbia international has been consistent and reliable in the attacking third after averaging 1.0 tackles, 1.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has also been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 79.9% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
His existing deal with the Merseyside club extends until the summer of 2027, meaning Barcelona would need to present a significant offer to acquire his talents. However, if a swap deal involving Frenkie De Jong heading the other way materializes, it could potentially resolve any hurdles.
Will Klopp Sanction The Swap Deal With De Jong?
The proposition of a swap deal raises intriguing questions about the strategic implications for both clubs, especially considering Liverpool’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements despite recent signings. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool has undergone several changes, especially with the notable acquisitions of Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai during the summer transfer window. However, the midfield remains an area of interest for the Reds, prompting considerations for further enhancements.
Luis Diaz’s impact at Anfield since his arrival has been noteworthy. The Colombian winger’s prowess and adaptability have added depth to Liverpool’s attacking options. His pace, skill on the ball, and goal-scoring ability have earned him acclaim among fans and pundits alike.
On the other side of the proposed deal stands Frenkie De Jong, an accomplished midfielder who has showcased his talents at both Barcelona and on the international stage with the Netherlands. His technical prowess, vision, and ability to dictate play make him a highly coveted asset for any top-tier team.
However, Klopp faces a critical decision regarding the potential swap deal. Diaz’s presence at Liverpool, coupled with the need for midfield reinforcement, creates a delicate balance. While De Jong’s arrival could significantly bolster Liverpool’s midfield, the departure of Diaz would mean losing a player who has shown promise and potential to thrive further within Klopp’s system.
Despite the recent signings, the opportunity to secure a player of De Jong’s caliber might be too enticing to pass up. His ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his defensive astuteness and technical ability, aligns well with Liverpool’s style of play. Hence, if the rumours are true than Klopp should definitely sanction the deal in light of recent developments regarding midfield reinforcements.