Liverpool could finally replace Luis Diaz with £52m forward

That decision has not aged well.

Gakpo has struggled badly this season, both in terms of output and influence. At his best, the Dutchman offers intelligent movement, clean ball striking and positional flexibility. This campaign, however, he has too often looked short of rhythm, sharpness and authority in the final third.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s failure to replace Diaz now feels like one of the defining recruitment calls of last summer. Diaz gave the side vertical thrust, intensity, unpredictability and a capacity to beat defenders in moments when structure alone was not enough. Without him, Liverpool’s left flank has lost some of its menace.

Pietuszewski Profile Fits Liverpool’s Need

Pietuszewski has reportedly produced three goals and four assists in 14 Portuguese top flight appearances, impressive numbers for a player still only 17.

Operating mainly from the left, he is viewed as a direct, explosive winger with confidence in one against one situations. Those qualities are precisely what Liverpool have lacked since Díaz’s departure.

This is not to say Pietuszewski would arrive as an instant senior solution. At his age, any move would have to be framed as both a present squad option and a long term investment. Yet Liverpool’s issue is clear. They need more speed, more incision and more natural width in attack.

Photo: IMAGO

Summer Rebuild Requires Conviction

Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his debut season, but Liverpool’s title defence has been disappointing. Despite spending £450m last summer, the Reds sit 4th, and another busy window is expected.

That creates a delicate recruitment picture. Liverpool cannot afford another summer where a major attacking departure is not properly addressed. The Diaz exit left a gap, and trusting internal solutions has backfired.

Pietuszewski may be young, expensive and far from proven in England, but the logic behind the interest is easy to understand. Liverpool need to restore danger to their wide areas, and Record’s report suggests they are already assessing one of Europe’s more exciting emerging options.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report lands with a mixture of interest and frustration. Oskar Pietuszewski sounds exactly like the type of player Liverpool should be tracking, young, explosive, technically sharp and already producing in senior football. But fans have heard enough about long term planning. What they need now is evidence that the club have learned from last summer’s mistake.

Luis Diaz leaving for Bayern Munich was a major moment. Liverpool chose not to replace him properly, trusted Cody Gakpo to step up, and that gamble has failed. Gakpo has looked miles off the required level this season, and the left side of Liverpool’s attack has lacked speed, aggression and spark.

That is why this story matters. Pietuszewski might be an outstanding talent, but supporters will question whether a 17-year-old with a £52m clause is the answer to a problem that already needed fixing a year ago.

Liverpool need certainty this summer, not only potential. Slot’s title win bought him time, but this season has exposed serious flaws in the squad build. If Pietuszewski is part of a wider attacking rebuild, fine. If he is the headline answer, it feels risky.

Interesting player, logical profile, but Liverpool cannot afford another half measure.