Liverpool could face a $81m dilemma if they appoint Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen. Paris Saint-Germain is reported to be keeping close tabs on Luis Díaz.
Paris Saint-Germain has been linked with Liverpool winger Luis Díaz this week. While the initial reaction would be to dismiss interest, there could be a dilemma on the horizon.
Foot Mercato reports that contact has been made between PSG and the Colombian’s representatives, with the Ligue 1 side said to be prioritizing a move for him in the summer. No talks between clubs have taken place just yet, according to Fabrizio Romano, but it looks as though early groundwork is already underway.
And it’s if sporting director Richard Hughes appoints Xabi Alonso that the dilemma arises — if he intends to play the system he currently deploys now for Bayer Leverkusen.
Florian Wirtz often plays on the left flank for the Bundesliga side, though his role is much different from that of Díaz. The left-sided attacker for Alonso is involved strongly in build-up play and also takes up space behind the midfield line to receive the ball before making the final pass to the other two forwards.
That has seen Wirtz talismanic this season in the Bundesliga title charge, registering 10 assists and ranking in the top two per cent of attacking midfielders in terms of progressive passes, according to FBref. And I’m not sure any Liverpool players would be able to replicate what Wirtz does.
Mohamed Salah has been excellent with his playmaking ability this season, but many of his perfectly weighted passes are during counter-attacks or fast transitions. That suggests that Alonso could be forced to adapt his system to Liverpool’s squad. And he may already have ideas that the Reds’ high-power attack could bring to life.
And, depending on the budget FSG could give him and the players he may have in mind, it may once again be a case of moving players out to help fund incoming signings. Díaz, one of Liverpool’s more expensive assets valued at $81m (£64m/€75m) by TransferMarkt, could be one of those considered if he doesn’t fit into Alonso’s system. Let’s not forget that it’s Paris Saint-Germain too, so we know the owners would be able to pay more.
I wouldn’t like to see Díaz move on from Liverpool after his display against Manchester City alone. He’s looked like he is getting back to his best this season amid a difficult time. But while more and more of the dynamic side we saw from him during his first years at the club is returning, I can see how he suits Klopp more than Alonso.
Of course, Alonso isn’t stuck to one system. He has mentioned how the formation on paper isn’t important, and that could see him even going with a 4-3-3 — with the “Wirtz role” instead coming from one of the central midfielders.
But the question is whether Liverpool has a price for Díaz. I think FSG’s new CEO of Football Michael Edwards, known for his strong decision-making without emotions, would at least consider a deal if he sees an opportunity to get more of a systematic fit for Liverpool’s next manager.
