Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool had move for attacker blocked before securing Luis Diaz but could return next window

Matheus Cunha celebrates his goal for Atletico Madrid against Valencia, January 2022

Liverpool reportedly had a move for another attacker blocked before they agreed a deal for Luis Diaz, but they may return in the summer.

The Reds have taken action after their famed front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah each entered the final 18 months of the respective contracts. They moved swiftly to beat Tottenham to a late January swoop for Diaz.

The Colombian winger is said to be set to travel to Merseyside to complete his transfer after a £54m fee was agreed with Porto.

Once signed, he will provide competition to Mane and Salah out wide.

However, it is Firmino who looks least likely to stay at Anfield come the end of the season. Diogo Jota has usurped him in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.

Therefore, a new centre-forward will likely be needed in the next window. And it seems that’s what Liverpool were initially after this month.

That’s because Spanish outlet AS have claimed they had an approach for Matheus Cunha knocked back by Atletico Madrid.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


The 22-year-old Brazilian forward, who has made just three La Liga starts since moving last summer, was tempted by the offer.

However, Diego Simeone did not want to let him go. That’s despite him being kept out of the team by Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

Liverpool beat Spurs to signing Luis Diaz from Porto

Liverpool beat Spurs to signing Luis Diaz from Porto

Tottenham will miss out on Luis Diaz as Liverpool reignite their interest in the winger

Potential summer scrap for Cunha

Cunha has managed four goals and two assists in 440 minutes of league football since leaving Hertha Berlin in a £24m move.

He has still broken into the Brazil squad, though. And he suffered nasty scars during their match on Thursday after being karate-kicked by the Ecuador goalkeeper.

What’s more, he seems to be the perfect replacement for Firmino.

However, Atletico see him having huge importance in the future. So it may be difficult to convince them to part ways.

The situation looks to be set up for a huge transfer battle in the coming months.

Liverpool exodus on the cards

Liverpool players and manager watch on during their 3-0 victory over Norwich August 2021

Meanwhile, a Liverpool exodus is on the cards as four players have been tipped to leave Anfield before next week’s Deadline Day.

As per The Athletic, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are both now up for sale for the rest of January.

Liverpool will be looking to recoup some of the funds they are set to splash on Diaz. They could also do this by getting rid of defender Nat Phillips, valued at £15m.

He’s been the target of attention from both Newcastle and Watford. Both have had offers turned down but could return.

And the man behind the report, journalist James Pearce, has also revealed Neco Williams could leave too.

READ MOREKlopp boost for Liverpool CL tie but Man City hit hard for defender ‘assault’