
Anfield Index
·12. Mai 2025
Núñez and Díaz Exit Could Power Liverpool’s Next Great Front Three

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·12. Mai 2025
With just two Premier League games remaining and the title already secured, Liverpool’s focus is shifting firmly toward a transformative summer of change. As various clubs prepare for a return to the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025, the window to reshape their squads has opened wider than ever, and it could be powered by significant outgoings.
Reports indicate that Liverpool’s South American attackers, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, are attracting serious interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, which is keen to add Premier League stars ahead of the global tournament. With potential combined bids of over £140 million, the question is no longer whether Liverpool can sell—it’s whether they’re ready to act decisively in the market and start building for what comes next.
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Liverpool’s new structure, led by CEO Michael Edwards and Sporting Director Richard Hughes, has always valued opportunity and timing, and this summer offers both. Reports suggest that Saudi clubs are preparing a combined offer of £140 million for Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, with a willingness to pay those fees upfront in full, an increasingly rare luxury in the modern market. As players who are either at a crossroads in their Merseyside stays or surplus to future plans, such huge sales could act as a springboard for Liverpool’s recruitment drive.
For Núñez, whose form has been wildly sporadic despite his clear physical gifts, such a bid represents exceptional value. The Uruguayan forward has never truly settled into a defined role under either Jürgen Klopp or Arne Slot and has often found himself rotated in and out of the lineup. With 7 goals and 7 assists across all competitions this season, Darwin’s output falls short of elite standards for a Liverpool No. 9, particularly one who cost the club up to £85m in 2022. A clean financial exit now would be a wise move, one that would be encouraged by his employers.
Díaz, meanwhile, has been a tireless and passionate performer since joining from Porto, but his ceiling now feels clear. A dynamic and versatile attacker, yes — but one with inconsistency in end product and a tendency to fade in key moments. With age creeping toward his peak at 28 and with left-flank options like Cody Gakpo and potentially a new signing ready to rotate, £70 million+ for Díaz is a fee that must be accepted with open arms and sharp planning. A new contract would surely see his current £55k per week wages increase exponentially would be a risk, especially when huge funds could be garnered to source a younger replacement.
While Diogo Jota has not been named in the same bracket of transfer speculation, his injury record and profile make him another asset that could draw attention should offers arrive. More importantly, the Portuguese forward, now 28, represents another world-famous attacker who would still be a marquee signing for potential suitors. That said, his knack for decisive goals and his tactical versatility mean he is likelier to be retained as a rotational figure unless a significant bid arrives.
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Should the club cash in on two of their three main forwards, the funds available for reinvestment would be immense. With the full backing of the recruitment hierarchy, Liverpool could finally realign their forward unit with their evolving tactical model under Arne Slot, who has leaned toward more fluid, intelligent movement and controlled pressing, particularly in European competition.
The potential targets are already being scoped, and the names are ambitious. Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP is a physically dominant, high-output striker who would suit the Premier League instantly. Julian Álvarez, possibly available for £100 million, would offer intelligence, technical quality, and positional flexibility in the forward line. Rodrygo, the electric Brazilian winger at Real Madrid, could be a marquee statement if Los Blancos decide on their forward line this summer, now that Xabi Alonso is set to take the helm and integrate his 3-4-2-1 system of play.
Liverpool, England, 11th May 2025. Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the Liverpool vs Arsenal Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: Cody Froggatt / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI_048_CF_LIVERPOOL_V_ARSENAL SPI-3930-0048
What unites all three is clear: they are proven in European competition, either entering or already in their prime years, and possess the intelligence and versatility needed in Liverpool’s evolving system. If Saudi clubs truly offer £140 million for Darwin and Díaz, the answer should be swift: thank you and goodbye.
Liverpool have long been reluctant sellers, especially of frontline players. But the modern football economy rewards strategic agility, and this summer, Liverpool is being handed a rare opportunity to reset and reload from a position of strength. The title is secured, the squad is stable, and the financial advantage is within reach. Michael Edwards once built a squad for his former manager, Klopp, therefore, he will surely be keen to repeat that experience and build a new dynasty of brilliance.
There’s no need for sentiment. If the Saudis bring the cash, Liverpool must bring the clarity. The next great Liverpool attack isn’t built on what was — it’s built on what comes next, and with a major piece of silverware won in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield, now comes the time to assemble a group that can continue that trend.