Luis Diaz’s future at Liverpool is up in the air.
The Colombia international has been at Anfield since Jurgen Klopp signed him from Porto in January 2022. He has played 147 games for the Reds over the years, including 49 times this season.
Diaz will enter the final two years of his contract at Liverpool in July, and a decision has to be made about his future.
TBR Football revealed recently that Liverpool are set to hold contract talks with Diaz this summer, but the speculation around his future hasn’t stopped.
Barcelona are interested in signing Diaz, and in case that happens, Liverpool have already decided on his replacement.
Liverpool want to sign Malick Fofana if Luis Diaz leaves
Luis Diaz has had a great season at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions, and he has played his part in the Reds’ Premier League title win.
However, Diaz is not irreplaceable. The Colombian is 28 already, and if the Reds get a big enough offer, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to cash in on him.
Mundo Deportivo have revealed that Liverpool have prepared a contingency plan in case Diaz leaves.
Olympique Lyon attacker Malick Fofana is a player the Reds want to sign in the event of the former Porto man’s departure, and it will not be a difficult deal to pull off.
The report claims that people in the industry believe €20 million (£16.8m) could be enough to sign Fofana, but Lyon are said to be holding out for €30 million (£25.2m).
Liverpool have already held talks with the player’s camp and have even spoken to Lyon to understand the terms of a potential deal this summer.
Who is Liverpool target Malick Fofana?
Fofana is a 20-year-old attacker who mostly plays on the left wing.
A Belgian international having made his senior international debut in October last year, Fofana has had an impressive season at Lyon, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in all competitions.
Fofana is quick, has good control over the ball and is two-footed. He can play on either wing and has even played down the middle once for Lyon this season.
Football Talent Scout have compared Fofana to Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior and have given him a 9.5/10 rating for his potential.
If Liverpool lose Diaz this summer, Fofana would be a very good signing – not as an immediate replacement but as someone who can develop into a top player in the coming years.
