Three potential replacements for Luis Diaz at Liverpool

Liverpool's summer refresh could mean the end for Luis Diaz at Liverpool with reports linking the Colombian winger with a move away from Merseyside.

According to journalist Pipe Sierra, "Liverpool's interest in renewing Luis Diaz's contract seems to have disappeared" and his "entourage are not happy with Liverpool."

With just two years remaining on his current contract, the Reds are reportedly paying Diaz a wage notably lower than his fellow forward compatriots, so it's no surprise to see him seeking a contract renewal off the back of a significant contribution to the club's 20th league title.

Should Liverpool opt against a contract extension, it's highly likely that the forward is sold, and we've picked out three players who could be capable of filling the void.

Anthony Gordon

The Reds are long-term admirers of Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, having reportedly struck a deal with the Magpies to sign the winger last season before the PSR deadline. The deal fell through with Newcastle wishing to sell Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson instead in order to meet requirements.

While the current state of today's market means Gordon wouldn't come cheap, it'd be a signing that wouldn't be too dissimilar to the Reds' acquisition of Sadio Mane from Southampton. An electric, versatile winger with a remarkably high ceiling, Gordon would undoubtedly benefit from the management of Arne Slot in a Premier League winning side.

It'd be foolish not to mention the 24 year old's Merseyside roots, allegedly a boyhood Liverpool fan despite emerging through the Everton youth setup. Having given the greenlight to join the Reds just a year ago, it's hard to see a world in which Gordon wouldn't entertain the move once more should Liverpool reignite their interest.

Rodrygo

Perhaps a more ambitious prospect, Real Madrid's Rodrygo could be a player that Liverpool weigh up should Luis Diaz leave the club.

While the future of the Brazilian forward was already up in the air whilst Carlo Ancelotti was in charge, it seems even more uncertain since former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has entered the building. Starting Los Blancos' opening Club World Cup game in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, Rodrygo was an unused substitute against Pachuca, subjected to the bench once more against RB Salzburg before coming on in the 67th minute.

An exit is by no means guaranteed, but Real are supposedly open to offers for the 24 year old, with a €90m price tag being mooted.

Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho, the Reds haven't been short of Brazilian stars. Could Rodrygo be next on the list?

Malick Fofana

A player seemingly in high demand following Lyon's relegation to Ligue 2, Malick Fofana could be viewed as an ideal candidate to replace the Colombian.

While his stats don't necessarily scream output machine, the Belgian winger is just 20 years old and has progressed rapidly since making the move from Genk to Lyon.

Of the three options that make up the list, Malick Fofana is no doubt the cheaper alternative, and it may be that the forward comes in alongside another winger, with the imminent departure of Federico Chiesa potentially opening up more than one space in the forward department.