Liverpool may face a transfer dilemma due to the emergence of Barcelona’s stance on Luis Díaz…

Luis Díaz’s potential departure from Liverpool could pose a transfer dilemma for the club, especially with emerging reports about Barcelona’s interest.

Despite Liverpool’s focus on other areas of the club during this transfer window, rumors continue to circulate, and Díaz is the latest player to be linked with a move.

Barcelona has been identified as the main suitor for Díaz, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. They claim that he is their top target for the summer, although it remains uncertain whether they can afford his transfer fee.

Additionally, Díaz’s father has previously mentioned Real Madrid as an appealing destination, while PSG is also in search of a replacement for Kylian Mbappé.

There is no guarantee that Liverpool will receive any offers to consider for Díaz’s future, despite his recent statement expressing happiness at the club.

However, the speculation surrounding his future has brought the topic into the spotlight. The new manager, Arne Slot, and the recruitment team will have to make a decision regarding this matter.

According to Matt Addison, Liverpool needs to focus on adding attackers rather than letting them go. It is worth discussing Díaz’s performance and output, as he has scored a decent number of goals this season.

However, there is room for improvement considering the positions he has found himself in. Ultimately, this is crucial for Liverpool’s forwards.

Nevertheless, there are factors that should be taken into account. The challenges Díaz faced with his parents could have had an impact on his performance, and it is understandable that it was not an easy situation for him. Additionally, if a couple of his shots that hit the post had gone in, the numbers would have looked much better.

In my opinion, Liverpool should prioritize adding attackers to Slot’s roster this summer instead of letting them go. It would be beneficial to bring in a sixth senior attacker to further distribute the workload. This would allow Díaz to have less playing time and be more rejuvenated as a result.

While Barcelona may have an interest in Díaz, it is doubtful whether they can offer a substantial amount of money that Liverpool would consider. From my perspective, it is more likely that Díaz will remain at Anfield next season, but alongside another player who can enhance the forward line.

According to James Martin, “Luis Díaz has probably reached his peak and is currently the weakest forward in Liverpool.” It is crucial for forwards to consistently deliver results. Even if they are doing many things right, if they are not producing the desired outcomes, they are ultimately falling short.

That is precisely why Darwin Núñez, an exceptional opportunist, has faced scrutiny. While chances may not possess inherent value, they serve as the most reliable indicator of goals. With the return of data experts like Michael Edwards to the club, it should only bolster Núñez’s case.

However, the situation differs for Luis Díaz. Liverpool should not actively seek to push him out, but if a suitable offer arises, there is a compelling argument for considering it seriously.

In terms of expected goals and assists per 90 minutes, Díaz has maintained an average of 0.55 over the past year (FBref). This figure is respectable for most clubs and even positions him in the 86th percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues. However, when compared to Liverpool’s other forwards, Díaz’s statistics do not measure up.

Mohamed Salah, as impressive as he is, maintains an average of 1.0 per game. Núñez also holds the same average, highlighting his struggles with finishing but also showcasing the immense potential he possesses. Diogo Jota’s average is 0.77, while Cody Gakpo surprisingly manages a high 0.71. Díaz, unfortunately, stands out in this group for the wrong reasons.

Considering he is 27 years old, there is a possibility that Liverpool has already witnessed his peak, making a strong case for selling him now if a suitable offer arises.

Edwards has a talent for discovering young forwards ready to excel at Anfield, and reinvesting the money from Díaz’s sale could lead to finding the next promising talent.