Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has named a ‘perfect’ replacement for Luis Díaz at Anfield, should be depart this summer.
Díaz, who is currently with the Liverpool squad on their pre-season tour of the Far East, has two years left on his current deal. However, talks over a contract extension have so far failed to produce a breakthrough, casting uncertainty over his future at the club. Earlier this summer, the 28-year-old revealed that his representatives had already been in discussions with several interested parties.
Barcelona initially made an approach for the Colombian winger, but it was quickly rejected, and Bayern Munich had an opening bid of €67.5 million (£58.6 million) immediately turned down. Despite reports of the German giants preparing a second offer, Liverpool remain firm in their stance that Díaz is not for sale unless a truly irresistible proposal is tabled.
Nonetheless, the Reds are understood to be preparing contingency plans should Díaz depart.
Speaking in to Adventure Gamers, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Real Madrid’s Rodrygo would be an outstanding addition to the squad if Díaz were to move on.
“Liverpool are in the business of signing world-class players. Should Luis Diaz depart, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo looks a fantastic option to replace him. He’s not some young, unstudied talent — he’s an experienced and established player, and watching him over the years has been exciting.
He’s quick, powerful, direct and very tricky to defend against. You could even say he fits a similar profile to Diaz. It’d be a like-for-like replacement and a transfer that I could see the fans really getting behind.”
Rodrygo has long been admired by Liverpool’s data and scouting departments dating back to when he was still a 17-year-old at Santos. The Brazilian turned down a move to Anfield in 2018, opting to join Los Blancos instead, but that interest never fully faded and now it may finally be actionable.
Reports claim that Liverpool has formally expressed interest in Madrid star, although no official offer has been tabled yet.
Now 23, Rodrygo has developed into a key figure at Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to multiple domestic and European titles. His combination of pace, skill and attacking intelligence made him a regular under Carlo Ancelotti, and his versatility across the front line could make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot system.
While a transfer for Rodrygo would likely require a significant financial outlay, Liverpool’s continuing willingness to spend this summer — evidenced by their £79 million pursuit of Hugo Ekitike — suggests the club are not afraid to invest heavily in key areas of the squad.
With the summer transfer window still open and plenty of twists yet to come, Liverpool’s position on Díaz remains firm, but should that change then Rodrygo could be the one to replace him.
