The Brazilian winger is seen as a top target by Arne Slot, especially after Diaz’s departure. While Liverpool have already spent big this summer, their transfer business isn’t slowing down. Now, the focus is on finding the right player to replace Diaz — and Rodrygo fits the mold.

Firstly, it is not often Liverpool sell players who get into the strongest XI out of choice. Yes, Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid on a free when his contract expired this summer, but the last time the Reds chose to sell a contracted player who would still have started the following season was Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona back in 2018.

Diaz had the Colombian flag wrapped around his waist as his song boomed around Anfield. “From the first day we arrived, we felt firsthand what it means to be a part of this club,” she wrote. “What you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.