Liverpool in pole position to sign a “superstar” for £87m

Liverpool got here into their pre-season conflict with Milan stuffed with optimism.

They’ve arguably had the most effective switch window of any group this summer season, particularly signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Arne Slot’s group seems to be set to pack a firmer punch even than they did throughout their Premier League-winning marketing campaign and issues might get even higher.

Certainly, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d wish to discover an exit this summer season.

That positivity, nonetheless, was not sufficient to hold them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s aspect 4-2.

Work to do then, largely on the again the place choices look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Nonetheless, they appear intent to taking steps so as to add extra to the ahead line.

Who might exchange Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool

Any strikes Liverpool full between now and the tip of the summer season are more likely to rely on what occurs to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

It’s largely been anticipated that the previous takes his depart however the place he finally ends up feels a bit of unsure proper now. As for Diaz, his future shall be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to signal the Colombian winger for a payment of round £65m.

Ought to Nunez depart alongside Diaz, then the Reds might flip their consideration to a record-breaking bid for Isak.

But, with Ekitike already by way of the door, signing an out-and-out alternative for Diaz would make an incredible deal extra sense.

That’s the place Liverpool’s vast choices come into the equation. One other Toon star within the type of Anthony Gordon has been linked however that feels unlikely.

What’s extra seemingly is concluding a deal for Actual Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s in accordance with reviews in Spain.

Reviews just a few weeks in the past famous that Liverpool had begun talks to signal the Brazilian and now they’re mentioned to be main the race to signal him.

It’s alleged that Arsenal are actually out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds agency favourites. That being mentioned, they must promote to be able to discover a transfer for a participant being valued at round £87m.

That’s actually some huge cash, however for a participant in comparison with Wirtz, it’s simple to see why they’ve forged their eyes within the path of the 24-year-old.

How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz

Described because the “greatest midfielder on the planet” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer season.

Many suppose the basic quantity 10 has died out however in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the inheritor to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.

He’s a inventive machine, having assisted 15 targets final season, however he’s additionally greater than competent in entrance of objective, netting 16 occasions in all competitions.

Not simply able to enjoying by way of the center, Wirtz has additionally discovered a house in vast areas, identical to Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t a lot of a quantity 10, nonetheless, like Wirtz, he’s performed as a false 9 and out vast. His statistical information can also be very related.

Certainly, in accordance with FBref, the German is the seventh-most related attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s high 5 leagues over the past 12 months. Right here’s why.

Whereas Wirtz’s output is supremely higher – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their information was comparable in different areas.

Wanting on the numbers, it was really the Actual winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, though solely marginally.

Within the dribbling division, their capacity to control the ball in tight areas and advance past the defence is uncanny.

They’re dazzling with possession at their ft, one thing that’s backed up by the truth that they each common over 5 progressive carries per 90.

Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they obtain an an identical variety of progressive passes, underlining their capacity to be given the ball between the traces the place they’ll impression proceedings within the closing third.

Whereas Rodrygo did go 17 video games and not using a objective at one stage in 2024/25, his capacity is apparent and in case you’re a participant incomes comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a really gifted footballer. In spite of everything, he’s a “world-class famous person” within the phrases of Luka Modric.

For Liverpool, this could be an incredible transfer if Diaz departs.