Liverpool has been caught off guard by Luis Diaz’s request for a new contract at Anfield.
The winger, who has recently attracted attention from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, is reportedly seeking an extension to his contract that reflects his current performance level.
Diaz has been in impressive form since the beginning of the year, contributing five goals and three assists in his last 10 Premier League appearances.
Despite only joining from Porto in January 2022, the Colombian has not yet extended his contract beyond the initial five-and-a-half-year agreement.
As a result, the 27-year-old is believed to be pursuing a new deal through his agent. Even though Diaz has three years left on his current contract, he reportedly wants terms that match his current performance.
According to HITC, Liverpool is surprised by this request, especially considering the ample time left on his existing contract. The club’s leadership is not entirely satisfied with the timing of Diaz’s demand, particularly given his recent links to a potential transfer.
However, Liverpool is open to discussing an extension with one of their key players. The club has informed Diaz’s representatives that the issue will be revisited in the summer and is not currently a priority.
The handling of this situation is under the purview of Michael Edwards, who has returned to Anfield after a two-year break from his role as sporting director. In his new position, Edwards will report to the club’s owners rather than overseeing all football-related matters at Liverpool.
Richard Hughes is set to take on Edwards’s former role, having previously served in a similar capacity at Premier League rivals Bournemouth. Hughes comes highly recommended by Edwards, and his upcoming appointment was a significant factor in persuading Edwards to return to Liverpool.
The upcoming summer is expected to be a time of significant change for Richard Hughes, the former Portsmouth midfielder. By the time Hughes officially starts on June 1, Liverpool is likely to have a new manager, with reports suggesting that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is a leading candidate.
Additionally, there is an urgent issue regarding Mohamed Salah’s future. With just 12 months left on his contract this summer, the club icon will have increased leverage in deciding his next move.
Saudi Arabian clubs are expected to revive their interest in tempting Salah to move to the Middle East. Despite turning down world-record bids for the Egyptian winger last summer, Liverpool may find themselves in a weaker negotiating position this time around.
