Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool are set to go up against each other in the pursuit of Porto ace Luis Diaz.
According to Spanish publication AS, Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City will face off against each other to sign Porto star Luis Diaz.
The Colombian international has been excellent for the Portuguese giants, racking up 11 goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions this season. Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, the 24-year-old appears to be ready to take the next step in his development.
His performances have not been lost on Merseyside, where Liverpool plot a winter move to land the player. The Reds will be without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the early parts of 2022, as they will be away at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Such a move will see Klopp stripped of his two best wingers at a crucial juncture in the season. With the team lacking in depth when it comes to reliable wingers, Liverpool could very well do with a player of Diaz’s abilities.
The player’s contract at Porto, however, runs until 2024. This hands the Portuguese outfit the advantage when it comes to negotiations. Porto appear to be in no mood to sell and could demand a mammoth fee of €80 million to sell their Colombian star.
While Diaz has certainly impressed, it is debatable if he is worth the quoted amount. All the more so, given that he is far from a sure starter when Mane and Salah are available. The addition of Diogo Jota has given Klopp a fourth dependable attacker to call upon. The Reds, however, are lacking in depth and could do with one or two attackers added into their mix.
However, the Merseysiders will not have it all their way. This is because Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also in the fray for the 24-year-old. The Colombian is seen as an alternative to Raheem Sterling, who appears to be seeking a new challenge. Both sides are currently behind Chelsea in the Premier League table. A couple of smart investments in the winter transfer window could very well end up making the difference long term.
The Sky Blues could do with another attacker, and Diaz certainly fits the bill. Whether this will see him take his talents to Liverpool or Manchester remains to be seen. Either way, he will have the opportunity to work under one of the best managers in world football today.
