Anfield Index
·20. Januar 2025
Anfield Index
·20. Januar 2025
Once considered one of the most promising talents in Manchester City’s academy, Brahim Diaz left Etihad Stadium in January 2019, joining Real Madrid in a £15m move. However, opportunities were limited at the Santiago Bernabéu, leading to a three-season loan spell at AC Milan from 2020 to 2023.
During his time in Italy, Diaz gained valuable experience, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s 2021/22 Serie A title-winning campaign. His performances earned him a recall to Madrid, but with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham occupying key attacking roles, his playing time has remained sporadic.
This season, Diaz has featured 22 times across all competitions, contributing two goals and five assists, but he is yet to be a consistent starter under Carlo Ancelotti. This limited role could tempt him to seek a new challenge elsewhere—especially in a system that guarantees regular minutes.
With Arne Slot keen to imprint his style on Liverpool, finding the right profile for a Salah successor is paramount. The Dutchman is known for his emphasis on fluid attacking play, positional intelligence, and technical wingers who can both create and finish chances.
As Fichajes reports, Slot sees Diaz as a “skilful and creative winger” capable of thriving in Liverpool’s dynamic forward line. The Spaniard’s versatility—he can operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder—would add tactical flexibility to Liverpool’s squad.
Furthermore, Diaz’s experience in fast-paced tactical systems at Milan and Madrid suggests he could adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League. His ability to break defensive lines with dribbles, combined with his close control and link-up play, aligns well with Liverpool’s high-tempo attacking approach.
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Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of Diaz. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have also expressed strong interest in the winger, with both clubs seeing him as a valuable addition to their respective squads.
Dortmund, who maintain a strong working relationship with Real Madrid, believe their existing ties could help facilitate a potential deal. Given their reputation for nurturing talent, Diaz might see Dortmund as a viable platform to revive his career in a more prominent role.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are actively searching for a replacement for Leroy Sane, whose future remains uncertain. Diaz’s ability to function in wide attacking areas makes him an appealing option for the German champions.
Liverpool’s challenge will be to convince Diaz that Anfield is the best destination for his future, offering him the platform to develop into a frontline leader rather than a rotational player.
For Liverpool supporters, this report will likely spark a mix of excitement and scepticism. On one hand, Diaz is a technically gifted winger with a proven track record in European football. His experience in Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A suggests he has the adaptability required to succeed at the highest level.
However, there are genuine concerns about whether Diaz can replace Salah’s phenomenal goal-scoring output. The Egyptian has been the Reds’ primary attacking force for nearly seven years, delivering world-class performances on a consistent basis. Diaz, for all his quality, has never produced numbers even close to Salah’s.
Another factor to consider is Liverpool’s recruitment strategy. Historically, the club has thrived by identifying undervalued talents rather than overpaying for established names. If Real Madrid demand a hefty fee, Liverpool may look elsewhere—especially with other potential targets such as Takefusa Kubo and Federico Chiesa reportedly on their radar.
Additionally, fans will wonder whether this move aligns with Arne Slot’s long-term vision. With a new era beginning at Anfield, supporters are eager to see Liverpool not just replace players but evolve tactically. Whether Diaz is the best fit for that evolution remains up for debate.
That said, if Diaz is genuinely keen on playing a starring role in a top European club, Liverpool could offer him the perfect opportunity. But with Bundesliga giants also circling, the Reds will need to move swiftly to ensure they don’t miss out.