Liverpool should replace Luis Diaz with Nico Williams this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool could have a busy summer transfer window despite their successful season under manager Arne Slot.

The Merseyside giants are on course to lift the title with a significant 12-point gap over second-placed Arsenal with just nine games to play.

The Reds signed Juventus’ Federico Chiesa last summer, but the transfer activity could be intense during the next transfer window.

Manager Arne Slot could demand a marquee striker and a versatile winger.

This could coincide with possible player exits. Sport claims Luis Diaz is seduced by the prospect of moving to Barcelona. The Blaugrana are reportedly a dream club for the Colombia international.

Diaz started the season brightly for Liverpool, but his form has drastically dipped over the last few months. The 28-year-old has 20 goal involvements in 43 appearances in all competitions this season.

However, just four of those have come since the turn of the year. Liverpool need to cash in on this summer, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams would be a perfect replacement on the left wing.

Williams has 16 goal contributions from 38 appearances, but he has a higher ceiling at 22 years of age.

The Spaniard has completed an average of 2.4 dribbles per league appearance this season compared to Diaz’s 1.5. He has also won more duels than the former Porto man (5.2 to 3.6) while making more recoveries (3.1 to 2.9).

Williams has squandered just two big chances in La Liga compared to Diaz’s eight in the Premier League. He has less goal involvements than Diaz, but should fare better for the Reds with more creativity around him.

The attacker’s contract has a £47 million release clause, so it appears a no-brainer for Liverpool to sign him. The Anfield giants can recoup most of the funds from Diaz’s departure during the summer.

Unlike Diaz, the 22-year-old can comfortably play on the right wing. With Mohamed Salah possibly on his way out on a free transfer, Williams’ versatility should make him an assured starter for the Reds.