🔴 Liverpool Shift Transfer Focus as Diaz Stays: Striker Search Intensifies with Chelsea Star on Radar

🔁 Diaz Staying Put Clears Path for New No. 9

Liverpool have made their intentions crystal clear: Luis Diaz is not for sale this summer. Despite serious interest from European heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the Colombian winger is set to stay at Anfield — giving new manager Arne Slot stability on the flanks and the green light to strengthen elsewhere.

With Diaz off the market, Sporting Director Richard Hughes has turned his attention to finding a new top-tier striker — a move that could define Liverpool’s attacking identity under Slot.

💼 Transfer Business Heats Up After Title-Winning Season

Liverpool have already made a splash in the transfer window, securing high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. These additions reflect the club’s commitment to backing Arne Slot after his sensational debut campaign, where he led the Reds to a Premier League title in his first season.

But the reshuffle isn’t over. With Darwin Nunez drawing interest from Napoli and clubs in Saudi Arabia, a striker swap may be on the cards. The Uruguayan forward, though passionate and popular among fans, scored just seven times in 47 appearances last season and started only eight league matches — casting doubts on his future.

🎯 Striker Targets Emerge: Isak, Ekitike, and Jackson in the Mix

Liverpool’s shortlist for a new striker is starting to take shape. Ornstein names Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as prominent targets. Both would offer different profiles — Isak known for his elegance and finishing, Ekitike for his raw potential and pace.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also been flagged as a player of interest. Hughes, who previously admired the Senegalese striker during his time at Bournemouth, remains a fan. However, the fact that Jackson is currently tied to a Premier League rival complicates matters — Ornstein suggests that if he weren’t at Chelsea, he’d be a much more feasible option.

🧠 Tactical Considerations and the Role of Wirtz

James Pearce of The Athletic adds that Slot’s system may also factor into transfer decisions. While Florian Wirtz could play in an advanced central role within the Dutchman’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup, his strengths may be better suited to a slightly deeper position. That only adds urgency to Liverpool’s search for a clinical finisher to lead the line.

With Nunez’s inconsistent output and potential departure, Liverpool are actively weighing options to invest in a more reliable frontman — one who fits Slot’s tactical blueprint and can capitalize on the creative engine already forming around Wirtz and Diaz.

🔚 What’s Next for the Reds?

As Liverpool’s preseason preparations ramp up, expect the club to push hard for a new striker before the window closes. The Diaz decision has provided clarity; now, the hunt for a top-class No. 9 begins in earnest.

If a £60 million offer comes in for Nunez, it could be the key to unlocking the next major addition to Arne Slot’s evolving Liverpool.