‘Pep didn’t want me to leave Man City – I could replace Mo Salah at Liverpool’

As Liverpool prepares for a potential reshuffle in their attacking lineup, rumors have surfaced about Brahim Diaz possibly joining the Reds as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The 25-year-old Spanish winger, currently at Real Madrid, is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar as Salah’s contract inches closer to expiration.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s mastermind, will undoubtedly take a keen interest in this story. After all, Diaz’s footballing journey began under Guardiola’s watchful eye. Although Diaz only made 15 senior appearances for City before moving to Real Madrid in January 2019, Guardiola recognized his immense potential. At the time of the transfer, Guardiola expressed his desire to retain the young talent, stating, “His training is always incredible, and he’s really appreciated by all of us. We want him, but at the end, it doesn’t depend on us.”

Diaz’s career trajectory has been anything but ordinary. Following his move to Real Madrid, where he made limited appearances in his first season, he embarked on a three-year loan spell with AC Milan. During his time in Serie A, Diaz scored 18 goals in 124 matches and played a pivotal role in Milan’s resurgence. Upon returning to Real Madrid for the 2023/24 season, he signed a contract extension that ties him to the Spanish giants until 2027.

However, Diaz has struggled to cement his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad. With players like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Endrick, and Arda Guler dominating Madrid’s attacking setup, Diaz has found opportunities scarce. This has opened the door for Liverpool to potentially swoop in and bring him back to the Premier League.

Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, are enjoying a remarkable season. Sitting atop the Premier League table with a six-point lead over second-place Arsenal, the Reds are in prime form. Despite this success, uncertainties loom large over the futures of key players. Mohamed Salah, now 32, is yet to agree to a contract extension, and his current deal expires at the end of the season. Similarly, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Madrid, while Virgil van Dijk is negotiating a contract renewal.

Salah’s influence on Liverpool’s success this season cannot be overstated. The Egyptian forward has been in scintillating form, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists in just 21 league appearances. His performances in the Champions League have been equally impressive, with three goals and four assists in seven games. Despite his advancing age, Salah continues to be a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack.

The prospect of replacing a player of Salah’s caliber is daunting, but Brahim Diaz presents an intriguing option. Known for his versatility, technical skills, and creativity, Diaz could bring a fresh dimension to Liverpool’s attacking play. His ability to operate on either wing or as a central playmaker makes him a valuable asset. However, securing his services won’t be straightforward.

Reports suggest that Liverpool will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, both of whom are monitoring Diaz’s situation closely. While no official price tag has been placed on Diaz, it’s believed that a bid in the region of £50 million might be required to lure him away from Real Madrid.

The potential move also has a nostalgic twist for Manchester City fans. If Diaz joins Liverpool, it would mark his return to the Premier League, albeit with one of City’s fiercest rivals. Guardiola’s earlier comments about Diaz’s qualities and potential could come back into focus, especially if the winger thrives at Anfield.

Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Slot has been characterized by shrewd signings and an emphasis on youth development. Adding Diaz to their ranks would align with this approach, providing the team with a long-term solution in attack. Whether Salah stays or departs, Diaz could be groomed to take on a significant role in Liverpool’s evolving project.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the speculation surrounding Salah and Diaz is likely to intensify. For Salah, the decision to extend his stay at Liverpool or seek a new challenge elsewhere will be pivotal. For Diaz, the allure of regular playing time and a starring role in one of Europe’s most dynamic teams could prove irresistible.

Regardless of the outcome, the narrative encapsulates the complexities of modern football. Clubs are constantly balancing the need to retain experienced stars while planning for the future. For Liverpool, the potential arrival of Diaz could signal the beginning of a new era in their attacking philosophy.

Only time will tell if Brahim Diaz dons the famous red shirt of Liverpool. Until then, fans and pundits alike will continue to debate whether the Spaniard has what it takes to fill the shoes of a legend like Mohamed Salah.