As Barcelona push forward in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the likelihood of Liverpool winger Luis Díaz making a switch to LaLiga appears to be fading significantly.
Earlier in June, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Barcelona had made a formal move for the Colombian, but Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, firmly dismissed the approach, making it clear that Díaz is not available for transfer during this window.
Although transfer positions can change, it would appear unwise for Liverpool to sanction Díaz’s departure without a significant financial return. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been named as a possible replacement, yet there are questions about whether the England international truly offers an upgrade — especially with a potential price tag nearing £100 million.
Following his most prolific season in a Liverpool shirt — one that also ended in silverware — the 28-year-old Díaz has drawn interest from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr, who are reportedly more willing to meet Liverpool’s £70 million valuation.
Should Díaz depart, Arne Slot can at least rely on Cody Gakpo as an existing option for the left flank. In addition, the impending arrival of Florian Wirtz, who is more than capable of playing in wide areas, adds further depth.
Liverpool appear to have pulled off a major coup in landing Wirtz. The agreement, which could eventually rise to a British-record fee of £116 million, is in place but awaits completion, with the player scheduled for a medical on Friday.
Despite serious interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have moved into the final phase of negotiations for what looks to be a landmark transfer that would consolidate their elite status in European football.
Primarily operating as a central attacking midfielder, the German international was ranked among the top 4% of his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
Wirtz’s influence would elevate the quality of any attack he joins. While Díaz would be an ideal partner for the Leverkusen playmaker next season, in the event of his departure, another Liverpool forward could emerge as the main beneficiary of Wirtz’s arrival.
Liverpool Initiate Move for New Forward
According to the reputable French outlet L’Équipe, Liverpool have joined the chase for winger Malick Fofana, although Chelsea currently lead the pursuit, having already initiated direct discussions with Lyon over the 20-year-old.
Liverpool have also entered the fray by holding talks with Fofana’s representatives, joining a competitive race that includes both Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
Fofana’s rapid rise in Ligue 1 has attracted attention from several Premier League giants, and while his valuation stands at €50 million (£43 million), that figure is notably lower than what FSG would need to spend on a player like Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
How Malick Fofana Could Strengthen Liverpool
Belgian talent Malick Fofana may still be at the early stages of what appears to be a promising career, but he has already shown the clinical finishing and physical sharpness needed to thrive in the Premier League.
After making the move from KAA Gent to Lyon in January 2024, Fofana managed to find the net three times in Ligue 1 before the 2023/24 season concluded, despite being handed just four starts.
However, his performances truly took off last season, which he began as a teenager. Across 41 appearances in all competitions, he recorded 11 goals and six assists, signalling a significant step forward in his development.
Within Ligue 1, Fofana proved his capabilities, netting five goals and setting up four more in just 16 starts. He missed only four big chances and created six himself, highlighting his efficiency and smart decision-making in the final third.
According to FBref, Fofana ranked in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals. He also featured in the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches inside the opposition’s penalty area per 90 minutes.
Clearly, Fofana poses a natural attacking threat. His game is built on surging forward with pace and purpose, aiming to penetrate the box and get shots away. Journalist Antonio Mango has even labelled him a “game-changer,” and it’s not hard to understand why.
Interestingly, FBref lists Anthony Gordon among the most statistically similar players to Fofana. Given that Fofana could be available for a fraction of Gordon’s valuation, it’s easy to see why Liverpool might view him as a more cost-effective option.
While he remains a raw prospect, Liverpool already have Cody Gakpo in the squad and soon-to-arrive Florian Wirtz, who could quickly adapt to life at Anfield. With such talent around him, Fofana would have an elite creative supply feeding his explosive runs.
For a Liverpool side already renowned for their attacking flair and creativity — some of the best the Premier League has witnessed in recent years — the idea of adding Fofana to the mix is an exciting possibility for the Anfield faithful.
| Premier League – Most Big Chances Created | ||
|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | BCC |
| 24/25 | Liverpool | 112 |
| 23/24 | Liverpool | 102 |
| 22/23 | Liverpool & Man City | 103 |
| 21/22 | Liverpool | 97 |
| 20/21 | Liverpool | 82 |
| Data Source: Premier League | ||
Over the past four Bundesliga seasons, Florian Wirtz has averaged at least 2.4 key passes per game in three separate campaigns — a remarkable feat that underlines the creative brilliance Liverpool are bringing into their midfield.
Wirtz’s exceptional ability to both carry and distribute the ball would complement any forward, but for someone like Fofana — a raw, pacey prospect with an emerging instinct for goal — Anfield could be the ideal setting for his next stage of development. With Cody Gakpo also in the mix, Fofana wouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.
Should Liverpool decide to cash in on Luis Díaz and bring in Fofana as his replacement, they would not only secure a profit but also gift Wirtz a dynamic forward partner to shape his play around for years to come. It’s a move that ticks all the boxes.
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