Liverpool transfer headache with third Reds star subject of mouthwatering Saudi offer; Klopp could sell for €75m

James Marshment 18 Jul 2023 3:15 PM

Luis Diaz is a target for Al Hilal

Liverpool could soon find themselves with another decision to make on a prominent Anfield favourite amid claims that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are planning a massive transfer approach for Luis Diaz.

The Merseysiders have already invested heavily into strengthening their midfield this summer, spending close to £100m on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Jurgen Klopp, though, is far from done and was planning on adding at least one more midfielder to his mix.

To that end, the Reds are keen on Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, though Southampton’s £50m asking price appears prohibitive. Nonetheless, Klopp will likely soon be armed with another wedge of transfer cash thanks to cash-rich oil state Saudi.

Teams in the Pro-League have illustrated they mean business in recent months with a string of big names heading to the Middle East. With Cristiano Ronaldo setting the tone, the likes of N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves and Karim Benzema – to name just three – have also moved to Saudi.

Liverpool themselves look poised to sell up too, with two long-serving Anfield staples closing in on lucrative moves of their own. To that end, Fabinho is the subject of a £40m approach from Al-Ittihad.

The Brazilian suffered a dip in form last season as Liverpool finished out the Champions League places. As a result, Klopp believes that the chance to move him is too good a chance to turn down. Fabinho has been left out of Liverpool’s pre-season training camp in Germany with a move now agreed.

Perhaps more surprisingly, long-serving Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is also wanted in the Middle East. He has been offered crazy £700,000 a week wages by Al Ettifaq, managed by legendary red Steven Gerrard.

Massive Saudi bid to arrive for Luis Diaz

They had hoped to sign him on a free, only for Liverpool to hit back with a £10m demand.

Nonetheless, the move is ultimately expected to go through with Henderson clear in his mind over the switch.

However, reports in Portugal now claim another Saudi Pro-League side in Al Hilal are readying a move Diaz.

The Colombian star has only been at Anfield for 18 months, arriving for €46m from Porto in January 2022. However, he has proved an instant hit on Merseyside, scoring 11 goals and adding eight assists from 47 appearances.

Indeed, his lengthy absence with a knee injury was keenly felt on Merseyside last season. And his absence probably proved a major factor in Liverpool pushing to sign Cody Gakpo a year later.

Highly-rated by Klopp, Diaz is expected to be a major component in what Liverpool hope will be a more successful 2023/24 campaign.

Klopp wants to keep winger – but money talks

That said, Record now states that Diaz is now the subject of a €50m offer from Al Hilal. The player is the express wish of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has made clear his wish to sign him.

And while it is claimed the offer will likely be rejected by the Reds, it is not out the question that an increased bid could be made. And such are their vast funds, it’s suggested Klopp may yet be tempted into the sale.

To that end, Liverpool reportedly rate the 26-year-old at the €75m (£64.4m) mark; a valuation they are likely to stand by.

Any money received would be given to Klopp to reinvest into his squad.

Should Diaz make the move, he would become the latest high-profile star to make the move. And he’d be joining an all-star line-up at Al Hilal which already features Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Neves.

Liverpool Luis Diaz