Liverpool Eye £38m Diaz Replacement, Seen as Smarter Move than Rodrygo – Report
Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign an “exceptional” £38 million talent, seen by many as a more strategic and cost-effective alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Following Jürgen Klopp’s emotional departure, Liverpool faced a period of uncertainty. However, Arne Slot quickly proved himself a worthy successor by winning the Premier League title in his very first season—despite minimal transfer activity. His only major signing, Federico Chiesa, barely featured in the league.
Now, things have changed.
Liverpool’s board is prepared to spend significantly this summer, already breaking records with the £116 million capture of Florian Wirtz. While a move for Alexander Isak is still under discussion, the departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich has left a vacancy on the left wing.
Why Díaz Was Sold
Luis Díaz had a standout season, contributing to 25 goals—second only to Mohamed Salah. However, with just two years left on his contract and no agreement on an extension, Díaz expressed a desire to leave. While Arne Slot values him, the manager prefers not to keep an unsettled player.
Rodrygo vs. Nusa: The Strategic Choice
Rodrygo, the Real Madrid winger, has been on Liverpool’s radar and offers proven experience. But with a hefty price tag of £78 million, Liverpool’s owners, FSG, are exploring more economical options.
Enter Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig.
Liverpool are now one of several clubs interested in the 20-year-old Norwegian, with a reported price tag of €45 million (£38 million)—half the cost of Rodrygo. Newcastle were previously linked with Nusa, which confirms his rising value in the market.
Why Antonio Nusa Fits the Bill
Cody Gakpo is expected to continue on the left flank, but Nusa could provide a long-term alternative with significant upside. Erling Haaland has praised Nusa’s talent, urging caution to avoid overhyping him too early, but acknowledging his potential is “exceptional.”
Nusa isn’t just exciting going forward—he’s also a hard worker defensively. In the Bundesliga last season, he averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per game. Stats from FBref also show he’s among the top 14% of wingers in successful dribbles and top 19% in tackles per 90 minutes across Europe.
He made headlines two years ago as the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history—indicating a bright future and potential to become a European star.
Final Thought: A Logical Investment
While Rodrygo is more experienced, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 last season, some feel he underperformed in league play and wouldn’t justify double the fee of Nusa. Given Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak and recent spending, Nusa may be the smarter move both financially and in terms of long-term development.
