Pep Guardiola didn’t allow me to leave I would have replaced Mohammed Salah at Liverpool – Brahim Diaz
With Mohamed Salah’s contract ticking down at Anfield, Arne Slot may be looking at replacement options for the Egyptian forward – with a former Manchester City star linked with a move to Merseyside
Brahim Diaz (left) has been linked with Liverpool
Brahim Diaz (left) has been linked with Liverpool
Pep Guardiola will be left licking his wounds should Brahim Diaz join Liverpool.
The 25-year-old is certainly familiar with the Spanish mastermind, given he spent three years under Guardiola’s tutelage at Manchester City before he was sold to Real Madrid in January 2019. While the winger only made 15 senior appearances for the Citizens during his time at the Etihad, Guardiola spotted a wealth of potential in Diaz.
Speaking around the time of his transfer, Guardiola said: “Playing in the top teams is not easy for young players, but he showed his qualities again. His training is always incredible and he’s really appreciated by all of us,” adding: “Everyone here is ready to play in the first team, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.
“He knows we want him, but after that it’s down to his agent and himself. We will do absolutely everything to keep him with us – afterwards he decides. We want him, but at the end it doesn’t depend on us.”
Diaz made just six appearances in his maiden season for Real Madrid before spending three years on loan with AC Milan. With the Rossoneri, Diaz scored 18 goals in 124 matches before returning to the Bernabeu for the 2023/24 campaign. He also signed a contract extension with Los Blancos, which will see him remain in the Spanish capital until the summer of 2027.
And while he has played 46 league games since making his way back to Madrid, it appears as though Liverpool are plotting to bring him back to the Premier League. As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Diaz has been unable to make himself a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans – given the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick and Arda Guler all vying for places.
Arne Slot’s Reds are in flying form at present, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table – six points clear of second-place Arsenal with a game in hand. However, it hasn’t been completely plain sailing at Anfield – with some of their biggest stars out of contract at the end of the season.
Mohamed Salah is out of contract at the end of the season
Mohamed Salah is out of contract at the end of the season
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Madrid in the summer, while Virgil van Dijk is hoping to renew his contract and enjoy another couple of seasons in the north west. Mohamed Salah also finds himself out of contract in the summer, and at 32, is yet to strike a new deal.
It is thought that Liverpool are looking at Diaz as a replacement for Salah this summer, should he decide to leave. The Egyptian has shown no signs of slowing down in terms of performance despite entering the twilight years of his career.
Salah has scored 18 goals and set up another 13 in 21 league appearances this season so far, and has been imperative in Liverpool’s positioning in the table. He has also been impressive in the Champions League, bagging three goals and four assists from seven games.
Liverpool may face an uphill battle should they wish to acquire the services of Diaz – given that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also reportedly monitoring his situation. While there’s no price tag set in stone for the promising forward, reports claim that it would take a bid of around £50m.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Get the 2024/2025 Liverpool home shirt
The new Liverpool home shirt for the 2024/2025 season features a Chrome Yellow pattern design sees a modernised take on the legendary 84 Home Shirt, a season which saw the Reds become European Champions for the 4th time in Rome and the first English Club to win a Treble of major honours. You can pre-order it now for Thursday, May 16.
Source
Leave a Reply