Liverpool legend John Aldridge has made a passionate plea for the club to hold onto winger Luis Diaz, emphasizing the Colombian’s critical role in Arne Slot’s squad as they prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Aldridge, a revered figure from Liverpool’s 1980s glory days, highlighted Diaz’s impressive 18.3% shot conversion rate and tireless work-rate, warning that losing the 27-year-old could significantly weaken the team’s attacking options and disrupt their momentum after a strong 2024/25 season.
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million, has been a standout performer, contributing 37 goals and 21 assists in 118 Premier League appearances by the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
His 18.3% shot conversion rate last season—among the highest in the squad—underscored his clinical finishing, with notable performances including a brace in a 3-1 win over Manchester City and a decisive goal in a 2-0 Champions League victory against Real Madrid. Aldridge praised Diaz’s versatility, noting, “He’s got pace, skill, and a knack for scoring big goals. His work-rate off the ball is phenomenal—pressing defenders, winning tackles. You don’t replace that easily.”
The call to retain Diaz comes amid speculation over his future, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly monitoring the winger, whose contract runs until June 2027. Barcelona’s interest has intensified following their failure to secure Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, while PSG sees Diaz as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappé, who departed in 2024.
Liverpool’s strong negotiating position, bolstered by Diaz’s contract length, would demand a transfer fee exceeding £60 million, but Aldridge argues that no price could justify losing a player integral to Slot’s high-pressing, attacking system.
Under Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp in 2024, Liverpool finished second in the 2024/25 Premier League with 82 points, securing Champions League qualification. Diaz’s contributions were pivotal, starting 34 of 38 league matches and forming a dynamic front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.
Aldridge cautioned that selling Diaz could disrupt this balance, especially with Salah’s contract nearing its 2026 expiry and uncertainty surrounding Núñez’s consistency, despite the Uruguayan’s 15 goals last season. “Losing Luis would be like ripping the heart out of our attack,” Aldridge said. “He’s not just a goal-scorer; he sets the tone with his energy.”
Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes has focused on retaining core players while adding depth. The club’s only major summer signing, Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £12 million, adds competition on the wings, but Aldridge insists Diaz’s unique blend of flair and tenacity makes him irreplaceable. “Chiesa’s a great addition, but Diaz is the one defenders fear. He’s proven he can handle the Premier League’s intensity,” he said.
The financial context adds weight to Aldridge’s plea. Liverpool’s prudent spending, with net spend under £50 million since 2023, contrasts with rivals like Chelsea, who face UEFA sanctions for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
Liverpool’s compliance with financial regulations allows flexibility, but Aldridge warns against cashing in on Diaz to fund other targets, such as Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, linked for £50 million. “You don’t sell your best players to buy potential. Diaz is in his prime,” he said.
As Liverpool prepare for their Premier League opener against Tottenham, Diaz’s role will be crucial in Slot’s 4-3-3 system, which relies on wingers to stretch defenses and create space for midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
With the Champions League and a potential title challenge ahead, Aldridge’s warning underscores the importance of keeping Diaz to maintain Liverpool’s competitive edge in a pivotal season.