Florian Wirtz deal forces €80m forward to Saudi Arabia

Liverpool fans are celebrating a major transfer win following the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old Germany playmaker completed his move on Friday for a sum that could ultimately reach £116m.

Wirtz was convinced by Arne Slot’s pitch to move to Anfield ahead of other offers from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

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It represents one of the most seismic transfers in the club’s history - with Liverpool now set to build their attack around Wirtz over the course of his five-year contract.

READ MORE: Liverpool look to Saudi Arabia for £60m striker deal

But the signing is going to have a profound effect on Liverpool’s current attacking options. Among those set to be disrupted is Luis Diaz.

The Colombian, 28, featured on the left wing as well as up front during the Reds’ 2024/25 Premier League title-winning season - scoring 13 goals.

Diaz tipped for Liverpool exit

Although Wirtz is an attacking midfielder by trade, the player tends to drift left. That will lessen the need for an out-and-out wide man like Diaz.

Combine the Wirtz deal with the arrival of Milos Kerkez - an attack-minded left-back - and you can see how Diaz might be squeezed out of Arne Slot’s first-team plans.

And there’s also Diaz’s contract to consider.

The Colombia international is out of contract in 2027, currently earning a reported £55k per week. Following his excellent campaign, Diaz might feel like he’s entitled to a bumper pay rise. So far however, sporting director Richard Hughes has refused to sanction it.

With Diaz’s terms ticking down, it means Liverpool might well be tempted to cash in if a decent offer arrives. It’s clear that Barcelona won’t come up with the requisite amount - said to be €80m - which leaves Saudi Arabian sides in the equation.

Liverpool back away from Diaz talks

Al-Nassr are reportedly keen on Diaz and it’s likely that the player ends up in the Saudi Pro League as soon as this summer. That’s according to a new report from TBR Football - which suggests Liverpool have WALKED AWAY from Diaz’s contract talks.

“Liverpool have backed away from contract talks with Diaz,” the report reads. “The Colombian will move to Saudi Arabia.”

Of the left-wing position: "Wirtz will end up playing there," the report reads. They’ve got Gakpo as well."

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher have already departed while Jarell Quansah is soon expected to go.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano drops MASSIVE hint that Liverpool have won striker race

This summer is proving that plenty in this Liverpool squad are not untouchable. And if the Reds receive what they deem to be the right offer for Diaz, then the title-winning forward will be off too.