Luis Diaz’s Liverpool future cast further in doubt as Al Nassr approach former Reds target

Liverpool could sell a few stars this summer and the future of many still hangs in the balance.

The Reds had a busy start to the transfer window and they have already made five new signings, although only three of them are expected to be for the first-team squad.

Richard Hughes is also keen to make some money back and that could come from selling some players who may feel like they have not been given a fair shot in a Liverpool shirt.

Luis Diaz, however, has certainly made the most of his Reds career and he is a player who they do not want to sell, but will if the right offer comes in for him.

Al Nassr were said to be happy to spend £73m for Diaz this summer, but now his future is even more uncertain as the Saudi club appear to have set their sights elsewhere.

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Al Nassr have approached Rodrygo at Real Madrid

When Saudi Arabian clubs come calling, it is certainly both a good and bad thing. On one hand, a team is very unlikely to keep hold of their star due to what Saudi can offer, however they will be able to sell at a premium price.

But, they can also get pretty much any player they want, meaning they can change targets rather quickly if a player, who they perceive as better, comes onto the market.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is one that could be available this summer due to his lack of game time at the Club World Cup, with Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri reporting that Al Nassr are preparing to ‘launch an attack’ for the Brazilian.

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He states that they have an unlimited budget and will hand Rodrygo a ‘blank cheque’ to persuade him to sign, with Cristiano Ronaldo himself recommending the club to buy him.

This suggests they have moved on from their pursuit of Diaz and he is no longer an option, although with Rodrygo’s preference to move to the Premier League, the door for the Colombian remains ajar.

Liverpool’s stance remains Diaz is not for sale, although a huge offer could tempt them, something that is very much plausible.

Rodrygo rejected Liverpool in the past

Just on the eye test alone, some players seem very like-for-like, with Diaz and Rodrygo both very similar and making it no surprise Al Nassr are looking at them both.

In fact, Liverpool must have viewed them in this way as they almost signed the Brazilian in 2017, although he rejected a move to Anfield and joined Real Madrid two years later as he wanted to make history in Brazil first.

“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good,” Rodrygo told The Guardian.

“The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.

“It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”

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