Andoni Iraola masterclass: He has signed the new Luis Diaz

Liverpool roared to the 2024/25 Premier League title powered by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

Neither is at the club any longer - with Salah reaching an agreement to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early. Diaz meanwhile had checked out the summer after winning the title.

With Richard Hughes intending to splash the cash on a new-look frontline Diaz along with fellow South American Darwin Nunez were the fall-guys. Nunez went to Al-Hilal for around £46m while the Merseysiders banked around £65m for Diaz.

That was good money for a player of the Colombian’s age but no doubt Arne Slot missed his cut-and-thrust last season in a difficult campaign.

Liverpool’s attack appeared one-paced even with big-money attackers like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz added to the ranks. Diaz meanwhile flourished - earning a league and cup double with new club Bayern Munich and enjoying his best-ever season.

It’s clear Liverpool have lacked his pace and directness in attack but finally steps have been taken to rectify the problem.

Victor Munoz is the new Luis Diaz

That’s according to a report in the Liverpool Echo - which claims new signing Victor Munoz can belatedly pick up where Diaz left off.

“As Liverpool toiled throughout a disappointing season last year, supporters could be forgiven for wistfully looking in the direction of one former Red,” the report reads.

“Luis Diaz was sold to Bayern Munich in a £65.5m deal after failing to agree a new contract at Anfield.

“As Diaz went on to enjoy the season of his life in Bavaria, returning a career-best 26 goals and 23 assists as Bayern won a Bundesliga and cup double, it soon became clear that something was lacking at Anfield.

“It soon became clear that their new-look frontline perhaps lacked that explosive acceleration that helped make Diaz - and fellow departee Darwin Nunez - so deadly.

“Fast forward a year and it would appear that Liverpool have acted to restore such an attribute. Step forward, Victor Munoz.”

Munoz handpicked by Iraola

Munoz, 23, signed for Liverpool during the FIFA World Cup after Richard Hughes triggered his £34m Osasuna release clause. The former Real Madrid youth arrives at Anfield as a world champion - and has impressed in his early outings in Red.

Against Como on Sunday - in the first of two clashes on the day against Cesc Fabregas’ side - the inventive left winger was exceptional. He tormented his markers, running the channels relentlessly and left observers begging for more.

Early signs are promising for Victor Munoz at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola is reported to have signed off on the transfer for Munoz having only just arrived at Anfield - believing he can get the best out of his fellow countryman.

He even gave Munoz a cameo in the second Como fixture of the day - at Anfield in front of a full house - with the new star again looking lively.

Liverpool’s title defence fell apart when they were shorn of one of their most productive attackers in Diaz. But the early signs are promising and it looks like the club have finally secured their “new” Luis Diaz for a bargain fee too.