Liverpool is set to offer Luis Diaz a new long-term contract after the Colombian winger attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain over the summer.
Despite the allure of two of Europe’s biggest clubs, particularly Barcelona, who were eager to bolster their wide options, Diaz is staying put at Anfield. This decision underscores his importance to the team under new manager Arne Slot.
Diaz returned from Copa America in time for the final stages of Liverpool’s pre-season, and it quickly became evident that Slot views the 27-year-old as a key player. His performances have justified that faith, with Diaz making a blistering start to the season, scoring three goals and providing an assist in just three appearances. His form has even kept Cody Gakpo out of the starting lineup.
Liverpool is now preparing to initiate talks over a new contract for Diaz, a move that reflects his crucial role since joining from Porto in 2022. This potential new deal comes as part of Liverpool’s strategy to secure the futures of key players and avoid situations like those involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts have also been under the spotlight.
Currently, Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, aligning with the deals of eight other first-team players under Slot. Liverpool has a longstanding approach of signing players to modest initial contracts, with performance-based incentives leading to improved terms later on. Diaz has made 101 appearances for the Reds, scoring 27 goals and assisting 14 more, solidifying his value to the team and adapting well to Slot’s new system.
Slot’s arrival seems to have revitalized several players, including Diaz. Mohamed Salah, in an interview after Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United, acknowledged the shift under the new manager. “It’s tricky to say, but having Jurgen for seven years, you sort of find yourself in a comfort zone,” Salah told Sky Sports. “Jurgen always pushed us out of that comfort zone, but it’s inevitable to some extent. With a new manager, there’s a different style, and everyone has to adapt.”
The promise of a new contract for Diaz is a sign of Liverpool’s commitment to maintaining their competitive edge, with Diaz set to play a pivotal role in the team’s future success.
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