Report: Liverpool ‘considered’ move to sign Ligue 1 forward

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz Decision and the Pathway They Protected

Liverpool have made some bold transfer calls in recent years, but few have carried as much emotional weight as the summer exit of Luis Diaz. According to The Mirror’s reporting, the Colombian had been edging toward a departure for more than a year and his exit only became unavoidable as his contract ran down. The club still managed to secure £65.5 million for a player they valued immensely, describing the fee as good business for someone who was 28 and ready for a fresh challenge.

Diaz’s Departure and the Internal Gamble

The detail that stands out most from the original article is the revelation that Diaz only stayed 18 months ago after what was described as a hugely persuasive chat from Richard Hughes. The Mirror reported that the winger had been ready to leave but was convinced to stay after speaking with Hughes, who made clear his importance to the squad.

Yet Liverpool’s long term plan did not involve replacing him directly. The club considered Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who had scored 11 times in 41 games, but ultimately, as The Mirror put it, the decision was made to look within the club instead of breaking the pathway for Rio Ngumoha. One source quoted in the piece claimed Liverpool were determined to leave a runway for the 17 year old to grow, creating what Hughes was said to describe to colleagues as a deliberate opportunity.

Photo IMAGO

Bayern’s Gain and Liverpool’s Struggle

Diaz’s form since leaving has been electric. The Mirror noted he has already scored 11 goals for Bayern, including two in Paris against PSG. Their line that he has become the side’s second top scorer behind Harry Kane sums up how quickly he adapted.

Liverpool’s campaign, meanwhile, has been turbulent. Losing nine of their last 12 after a bright start has placed scrutiny on their summer recruitment. Amid the chaos, Ngumoha delivered a moment that still glows. His stoppage time winner in the 3-2 victory at Newcastle was a flash of what the club hope he can become. Arne Slot said afterwards, “It was a great goal for a 16 year old. Rio can finish so well for his age. I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room that he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident.”

Youth Priority and Strategic Patience

The decision not to replace Diaz looks risky now, yet it also reflects Liverpool’s belief in youth and structured development. The Mirror’s reporting frames it as a calculated strategic choice. One club figure is quoted as saying privately that the club “wanted to remove any ceiling around Rio’s first team route” and that bringing in a high profile winger would have shut the door too soon.

Ngumoha’s rise, however uneven Liverpool’s results, remains the thread Liverpool hold onto.

Our View, Anfield Index Analysis

For supporters, the Diaz departure always felt like a crossroads moment. There was admiration for the player and frustration that the club could not find a way to keep him for the long haul. Bayern’s willingness to hand him a major role has only sharpened the sense that Liverpool lost someone at his peak. Fans will read that he scored twice in Paris and think back to nights at Anfield when he changed games on his own.

Yet the club’s logic on Ngumoha is easier to understand when seen through a long term lens. Supporters who watched him score that stoppage time winner at Newcastle will remember the electricity in that moment. There is a hope that Liverpool have unearthed someone who can grow into a key part of the next era. At the same time, relying on a 17 year old during a turbulent season is a hard sell to a fanbase accustomed to competing for the biggest honours.

Slot’s comment about confidence and finishing ability suggests the coaching staff believe in the player deeply. But fans want both development and results, and they want them simultaneously. When defeats stack up, patience fades quickly. Many will wonder whether Liverpool could have found a middle ground by signing a short term option while still giving Ngumoha minutes.