Romano: Liverpool monitor Lyon talent amid growing Bayern interest

Liverpool Consider Fofana as Bayern Step Up Diaz Pursuit

Bayern prepare renewed bid for Liverpool forward

Liverpool may be preparing for one of the more significant turning points of their transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich are set to submit a new and “important proposal” for Luis Diaz, with the Colombian winger open to the move.

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“For Luis Diaz we’re about to enter into important days,” Romano explained. “Bayern are expected to bid again for Luis Diaz, I expect their new proposal to be an important proposal to try and tempt Liverpool.”

The Bundesliga champions are reportedly keen to finalise the deal quickly if Liverpool open the door to a sale. While no official price tag has been set, it is understood that Liverpool would expect a substantial fee to part with their number seven, especially given his impact last season.

Fofana emerges as a potential replacement

Should Diaz depart, Liverpool have identified Malick Fofana of Lyon as a possible replacement. Though still raw, the Belgian winger is viewed as a player with significant upside, and one who fits the profile of recent Liverpool signings, technically proficient, versatile, and capable of rapid development.

“Fofana can be a plan B for Bayern, but can also be an interesting option eventually for Liverpool in case the deal for Luis Diaz goes through,” Romano added.

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The 19-year-old would not be a direct like-for-like replacement but could offer Slot an exciting development project while giving Liverpool flexibility in the wide areas.

Decision hinges on Liverpool’s valuation

While Diaz’s willingness to leave has been noted, Liverpool remain in control of the situation. There is no release clause and no pressure to sell unless Bayern’s offer reaches a valuation that aligns with their internal benchmarks.

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Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days as the German club look to accelerate talks and secure one of their key attacking targets before the window’s final stages.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This situation is beginning to look too familiar. A key player, under contract and still contributing at a high level, potentially sacrificed late in the window in exchange for financial balancing. The club have strengthened well this summer, but offloading Luis Diaz at this stage could unravel much of that progress.

Diaz may not be flawless, but he is often the spark in tight games, the player who drags the team forward when others stall. To replace that with a 19-year-old from Ligue 1, however talented, feels speculative at best. If Malick Fofana is the contingency plan, it is a risk that borders on short-sightedness.

Supporters have seen this before. Selling players to Europe’s elite with vague promises of replacements, only for the squad to suffer months down the line. The timing is problematic, too. Letting Diaz go deep into the window limits negotiating strength for a replacement and throws Slot’s pre-season planning into uncertainty.

If Liverpool are serious about challenging on multiple fronts again, they need to act like a club not just building for the future, but fighting to keep its present intact.