Liverpool to go ALL in on special winger

Liverpool are in a bizarre situation with Luis Diaz where the club is unwilling to sell him unless a significant bid is made for him, meanwhile contract talks are almost non-existent at this point.

Whether the Reds need a new left-winger all hinges on this saga and given the Saudi Pro League is interested in a potential move for the Colombian, all cards remain firmly on the table this summer.

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If Diaz were to leave, it is reasonable to suggest that Cody Gakpo would be able to step up accordingly, given the Dutchman played 2701 minutes last season, in tandem with the Colombian and delivered 18 goals and six assists which is an impressive return.

A heavier workload would ideally mean he delivers an even more prolific campaign next season and with Florian Wirtz helping to boost the attack, Arne Slot would have a powerful unit to work with.

But left-wing replacements for Diaz are being rumoured, not least Rafael Leao, and if the latest reports are accurate, then a Premier League proven asset might also be available this summer.

Mitoma to Liverpool could be a genuine possibility

According to The Athletic, a summer move for the Japanese winger is not off the cards.

In the report, it says: "Mitoma had no interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League when Brighton rejected offers from Al Nassr of £54m and £61m in the January transfer window.

"He gave little away after the Tottenham game to a group of Japanese reports who follow him at Brighton, commenting only that hew 'can't say anything' and 'doesn't know anything' regarding his future. Asked more generally whether playing in the Champions League would be appealing, Mitoma said: 'That is one goal, but if I focus on what's in front of me and do it right, I believe I can play in it.'

"It promises to be an anxious summer transfer window for supporters accustomed to revelling in his wizardry."

We're definitely at a point where Mitoma might have to seriously look at what he wants and given his contract expires in 2027, it's also clear that Brighton will have consider giving him a new contract.

The 28-year-old left-winger has been in the Premier League since the 2022/23 season and across those three campaigns, he has delivered 20 goals and 13 assists in 88 appearances.

He is highly regarded as hugging the touchline and creating width in Fabian Hurzeler's side with his mains skillset being willingness to press high up the pitch. Brighton's possession-based approach is incredibly similar to that of Arne Slot's and the Reds' system would suit the player well.

Furthermore, the promise of Champions League football and a regularly Premier League title charge might be tempting opportunity that is simply too good to ignore. Especially when you consider he would be teaming up with his international countryman Wataru Endo next season.

Of course, we must recognise that Brighton will be unwilling to let him go, but as mentioned earlier, we are reaching a point where they have got to consider their options with him.

Had the Seagulls have clinched Conference League qualification, then this ultimately might have been a different story, but the lack of European football for an ambitious player might be pivotal.

Liverpool also need to have Diaz moving elsewhere before an approach for Mitoma is even considered, and that is currently unlikely to happen unless the Saudis' interest is ramped up.

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But in Mitoma and Leao, the Reds have options that could be explored if necessary this summer.

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