Arne Slot Faces First Major Setback as Liverpool’s Champions League Journey Ends
This week, Arne Slot experienced his first significant defeat as Liverpool’s manager, as the Reds were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG’s victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Aston Villa, while Liverpool must refocus on their domestic ambitions.
Despite this setback, Liverpool remain in a strong position, sitting 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League and preparing for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United this Sunday. While it seems almost certain that Slot’s first season at Anfield will end with silverware, changes are expected this summer, with players like Luis Diaz facing an uncertain future at the club.
Luis Diaz’s Future at Liverpool
Diaz, known for his electrifying pace and ability to trouble even the most resilient defenders, has been a key figure for Liverpool. However, his long-term future on Merseyside is unclear. Last month, pundit Danny Murphy suggested that Diaz has “gone under the radar” this season, seamlessly transitioning from his preferred winger role to fill in as a central striker—a position Liverpool are likely to prioritize in the upcoming transfer window, alongside left-back.
The Colombian’s lack of clinical finishing, however, remains a concern. At 28, time is running out for Diaz to cement himself as a world-class player, especially when compared to the prolific Mohamed Salah, who has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists this season. While Diaz has been a valuable asset, his goal-scoring record—37 goals in 139 appearances—falls short of Sadio Mane’s 120 goals in 269 games, highlighting a noticeable gap in output.
Diaz’s struggles in front of goal are further emphasized by his Champions League performances. Despite a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the group stage, he failed to score in any of his other eight European fixtures this season. With just one year remaining on his £55,000-a-week contract, Liverpool may consider cashing in on the £71 million-rated winger while his market value remains high.
The One That Got Away: Raphinha
Liverpool’s decision to sign Diaz in January 2022 over Raphinha is now under scrutiny. At the time, the Reds were reportedly interested in the Brazilian winger, then at Leeds United, but financial and logistical hurdles prevented a deal. Instead, Raphinha joined Barcelona for £55 million, where he has since flourished.
This season, Raphinha has been hailed as “Europe’s best player” by Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley, thanks to his outstanding performances under Hansi Flick. With 46 goal involvements in 2024/25, Raphinha is second only to Salah in Europe’s top leagues. His versatility—excelling on both the left and right wing—makes him a player who could have complemented Salah perfectly at Liverpool.
Raphinha’s stats speak for themselves. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 8% for assists, and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the Champions League, where he has 11 goals and five assists this season, further underscores his quality.
A Missed Opportunity
While Diaz has been a solid addition to Liverpool’s squad, Raphinha’s rise at Barcelona highlights what might have been. The Brazilian’s clinical finishing and creative spark could have eased the burden on Salah and potentially elevated Liverpool’s attack to new heights. At 28, Raphinha is the same age as Diaz but boasts a far superior goal-scoring record, making Liverpool’s decision to pass on him all the more regrettable.
As Liverpool prepare for a summer of transition, the club’s hierarchy may look back on the Raphinha saga with a sense of missed opportunity. Diaz has been a reliable servant, but Raphinha’s emergence as one of Europe’s elite players suggests that Liverpool may have missed the mark with this one.
