The Hard Tackle lists three players Liverpool should pursue to replace Luis Diaz, who has joined Bayern Munich this week.

Luis Diaz has left Liverpool to complete a big-money move to Bayern Munich. The Premier League champions resisted a sale for several weeks, with the Colombian international also attracting interest from Barcelona and Saudi Pro League clubs.

However, Diaz did not look elsewhere once Bayern Munich started intensifying the efforts to sign him. While Liverpool rejected an initial bid from the Bundesliga champions, their resistance could not last throughout the summer transfer window, and they have finally wilted this week.

However, Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich means Liverpool must dip into the market for a long-term replacement. While the 28-year-old winger has left a gaping hole in the offensive unit, the Reds also have to worry about filling Diogo Jota’s mental and physical void in the first-team squad.

Diaz’s exit means Arne Slot has only Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo to call upon heading into the 2025/26 season amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.

So, even if the Reds sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United amid their recent links, they need more attackers to ensure they defend their Premier League crown. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players Liverpool must pursue to replace Luis Diaz this summer.

Rodrygo Goes

We start with a player who has seen links with Liverpool in the last few weeks after the Reds began their search for a Luis Diaz replacement. However, the Merseyside outfit may face stiff competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature. We are talking about Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes.

The Brazilian international is at a crossroads in his career after Xabi Alonso used him sparingly at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. That has created a situation where several high-profile clubs are keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.

Widespread reports have linked Rodrygo with Liverpool, and he may be the ideal target for the Merseyside outfit. Arne Slot appreciates versatility in his attacking players. That enabled the Dutch tactician to use Diaz as a striker and a wide attacker in the 2024/25 season.

Rodrygo can play across the frontline, and that has made him an asset for Real Madrid. The Brazilian’s versatility should also endear him to Slot amid Liverpool’s search for a Luis Diaz replacement. While the Real Madrid attacker’s output can improve, it has been comparable to Diaz, and he should seamlessly settle down at Anfield. However, with Arsenal and Chelsea also interested, the battle for his signature may stretch for several weeks.

Rafael Leao

From a hot property to a player who has not attracted as much widespread interest, we move on to the next candidates on our list. We are talking about Rafael Leao, who has been a talismanic attacker for AC Milan in the last few seasons.

The Portuguese international endured an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, which has reduced his market heading into the summer transfer window. However, Leao is reasonably sought-after, with recent reports linking him with Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

However, despite those links, it will be surprising to see Bayern Munich pursuing Leao after signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool. Leao may not be a target for Manchester United either, as the Red Devils have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer.

So, Liverpool may have a free run at Leao, and while the AC Milan winger is not as versatile as Diaz and Rodrygo, his directness should entice Slot.

Anthony Gordon