“A real possibility” – Noel Whelan suggests Liverpool special forward could leave this summer amid Luis Diaz’ arrival

“A real possibility” – Noel Whelan suggests Liverpool special forward could leave this summer amid Luis Diaz’ arrival

Ex Leeds United forward Noel Whelan feels Luis Diaz’s arrival might signal the end of the road for Roberto Roberto Firmino at Liverpool.

The premier league outfit signed Diaz for a whopping sum of £37.5 million that could rise to £50 million based on his performances on the pitch.

The Colombian international is a left-sided attacker, which means Diogo Jota is more likely to play a central role.

Liverpool FC completed the signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto, including a successful granting of a work permit and international clearance.

Firmino was a regular in the center-forward role, but injuries coupled with indifferent form in recent playing seasons have led to Diogo Jota being the preferred option down the middle.

Robert Firmino has struggled in front of goal and have battled injuries. (Photo by Getty Images)

Liverpool could have a new look after Diaz gets used to the premier league in no time and the role as both Firmino and Sadio Mane could be phased out.

Whelan feels that Jota’s emergence coupled with the time remaining on Firmino’s contract mean that the Reds are preparing for life without the Brazilian.

“There’s a real possibility, isn’t there? When you have a player of that stature running down a contract, that usually suggests that he’s thinking about his options. The fact that Diogo Jota has come in and done so well in that position has probably made Liverpool think about life without Firmino, to be honest.

“Now they’ve added another attacker in Diaz. He looks like a quality player, he’s younger. He’s a really exciting player for the future and he’s got the attributes to be a fluid part of that front three and to replace Firmino. He looks to be in the mould of a Liverpool-style player.

“The biggest priority for Liverpool right now will be Salah’s contract,” Whelan told Football Insider.

In other news, The real reason Liverpool failed to complete the signing of Fulham youngster