Liverpool ‘Aren’t in a Rush’ to Hand New Contract to 28-year-old Star – Journalist | OneFootball

Journalist Reveals Liverpool’s Stance on Luis Diaz New Contract

Arne Slot’s first season at the helm couldn’t have gone better: a Premier League title in year one, a revitalised system, and the sense that Liverpool are once again a genuine force both domestically and in Europe. Yet as the dust settles on the celebrations, difficult questions are already surfacing. Chief among them: what comes next for Luis Díaz?

In his interview with Dave Davis for Anfield Index, David Lynch offered a candid and refreshingly pragmatic insight into Díaz’s current status at the club. Lynch’s comments weren’t dramatic, but they struck at the heart of what makes squad planning at an elite level so complex — especially when emotions threaten to override logic.

Díaz: In His Prime, but for How Long?

Let’s be clear: Luis Díaz has been excellent. His flair, his work rate, and his ability to stretch play have been crucial to Liverpool’s successful campaign. Still, there’s a sense from within the club that they’re approaching this situation with cool-headed calculation.

“He wants a new deal and a pay rise but I still get no indication that Liverpool are pushing to give him a new deal,” Lynch said. And while that may raise eyebrows among some fans, it makes sense when viewed through the lens of modern football strategy. At 28, Díaz is at his physical peak. However, giving him a long-term contract could tie up resources that may be needed elsewhere — particularly when the squad is facing a summer of high turnover.

All Options Open — and That’s Intentional

Lynch’s observation that “all possibilities are on the table” for Díaz is telling. This is not a case of a club pushing a player out; rather, it’s about maintaining optionality. If the right offer comes in, Liverpool may sell — but not out of desperation.

“If you’re already losing Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa then you’re leaving yourself with a lot to do,” Lynch added. That’s the fine balance Slot and his recruitment team must strike. Díaz could be crucial in helping ease that transition, especially if several attacking players depart.

From a strategic perspective, the idea of keeping Díaz for one more season — as Lynch put it, “do one more year and then you might cash in” — is the kind of short-term compromise that helps maintain competitiveness without sacrificing long-term planning. In short, he’s a useful bridge between the current squad and the one to come.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Turnover: A Double-Edged Sword

The warning signs are there. “Liverpool must manage the turnover this summer because I don’t think they’ll win the title if they sell seven or eight players,” Lynch noted. He’s right. Winning titles is difficult enough — trying to do it while rebuilding half your squad is near impossible.

Slot has momentum, a title-winning system, and a hungry fanbase behind him. But with names like Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas potentially leaving, the club risk unsettling a successful dressing room dynamic. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about cohesion, rhythm and identity.

Smart Transitions, Not Sentimental Ones

The Díaz situation epitomises this moment for Liverpool. It’s a time for smart decisions, not sentimental ones. Díaz has been great — he’s flexible, dependable, and has earned his place in the side. But football, especially at this level, isn’t just about rewarding past performance.

The club’s reluctance to rush into a contract extension makes sense in this context. They know Díaz can contribute for another year, but they’re also aware that elite clubs must always look two or three windows ahead. Sentimentality is a luxury Liverpool can’t afford if they want to stay ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.

As the summer window approaches, fans should expect more moves based on logic than loyalty. And in that light, keeping Díaz without extending his deal — for now — might be the most intelligent choice of all.