Report: Liverpool could launch major £80m move as contract talks stall with forward | OneFootball

Contract impasse leaves Diaz at crossroads

Liverpool’s summer plans are starting to take shape under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes. With a Premier League title now back in the trophy cabinet, the club’s focus has swiftly turned to reinforcing and reshaping the squad.

One of the most pressing matters involves the future of Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger has enjoyed a strong campaign, netting 13 league goals, but his situation behind the scenes is far from resolved. Despite being under contract until 2027, discussions over a new deal have stalled. Reports suggest Diaz, who is currently earning around £55,000 per week, is seeking significantly improved terms — but Liverpool have yet to respond with a formal offer.

Should the impasse continue, the club may look to cash in on the 28-year-old while his market value remains high. Interest from Barcelona and Saudi outfit Al-Nassr adds further weight to the possibility of a summer departure.

Liverpool reignite Gordon interest

If Diaz is sold, Liverpool will need a top-tier replacement on the left flank — and Anthony Gordon is once again emerging as the primary target. The 24-year-old Newcastle winger, who came close to joining the Reds last summer, is firmly back on the radar.

“Gordon came very close to joining Liverpool last summer when Newcastle were forced to consider selling to improve their financial situation,” a recent report noted.

Photo IMAGO

Newcastle’s financial position has improved somewhat, with Champions League football secured and Gordon signing a long-term extension in October. However, that hasn’t deterred Liverpool’s interest. The club see Gordon as a natural fit, not least because of his Merseyside roots — having spent time in Liverpool’s youth system before breaking through at Everton — and his strong relationship with current Reds midfielder Curtis Jones.

High price tag no deterrent for Liverpool

Newcastle are expected to demand between £75m and £80m for Gordon, whose output last season included six goals and six assists in the Premier League. While not a spectacular return, it demonstrated consistency and versatility — qualities Liverpool value highly in their wide players.

“More recently, Luis Diaz has been linked with a move away from Anfield, and there is a growing belief that the England international is the top target to replace him if he is sold,” the report continues.

Despite falling out of Eddie Howe’s starting XI in the final stretch of the season, there’s a belief that Gordon could flourish in Liverpool’s system — especially under a new manager looking to inject fresh energy into the squad.

Squad evolution under Slot and Hughes

With the club keen to remain competitive on all fronts next season, changes to the attacking line-up appear inevitable. Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa have also been linked with exits, underlining the sense of flux in the forward department.

Yet it’s Diaz’s future that seems the most pivotal. If he does move on, Gordon would not only offer a like-for-like replacement in terms of position, but also bring youth, Premier League experience, and a sense of homecoming that could energise Anfield.

Liverpool’s summer, it seems, is less about revolution and more about intelligent evolution — and Gordon may just be the first major piece of that puzzle.