As speculation surrounding Luis Díaz’s Liverpool future gathers pace, former striker Emile Heskey believes the club must be prepared to make a bold call and get an exciting replacement should a big-money offer come in.
The Colombian winger, who remains under contract until 2027, has attracted serious interest from both Bayern Munich and Barcelona this summer. It’s understood Díaz is open to a fresh challenge and while Liverpool are in no rush to sell, they have placed a valuation of around €100m (£86.8m) on the 28-year-old.
Heskey, who scored 60 goals across 223 appearances for the Reds, says the club would be justified in cashing in on Díaz if a significant bid arrives — but stresses the importance of reinvesting smartly.
“If Bayern Munich or Barcelona step up and are paying the right price, then I think it has to be considered. Everyone is available if the price is right.
I think it would be decent business if they could get a good offer in and move him on, but then the next thing to consider is who to get in.”
Díaz has made 148 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from FC Porto in January 2022, scoring 41 goals and providing 23 assists in all competitions. Last season the winger registered his best goal contributions in the Premier League yet, but there’s a sense within his camp that the time may be right for a new chapter.
Should Liverpool opt to part ways with the winger, ex-England international Heskey believes that there’s one ‘exciting’ player in the Premier League that would be the ideal stylistic replacement.
“One player I like is Anthony Gordon at Newcastle, he’d be a great option. He’d give you someone direct, who still understands how to take players on and beat them. He’s a winger who gives you width and gets to the byline, who can entertain.
We’ve lost that a bit and Anthony is a bit of a throwback to earlier times, but his dribbling and direct attacking gets fans off their seats.”
The Reds were seriously interested in the Newcastle United forward last summer, but Newcastle insisted on including a player exchange as part of the deal. Ultimately the Magpies walked away from the deal following the profitable sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, and Gordon went on to sign a new long-term contract in October.
Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool supporter, scored six times and provided five assists in the Premier League last season. Díaz, by comparison, registered 18 goal involvements, 13 goals and five assists.
Though Gordon’s numbers are lower, the the 24-year-old’s pace and dynamism down the left flank has made him one of the most coveted wide players in the country. Arsenal are also admirers, but Mikel Arteta’s side are closing in on Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and continue to explore other attacking reinforcements.
Replacing a player like Luis Díaz is never easy, but Liverpool have shown they can rebuild smartly when they plan well. If they see Gordon as someone who fits the system and can grow further, it could be a move worth making.
As Arne Slot looks to shape a new era at Anfield, the decision on Díaz’s future and what follows could prove pivotal.
