Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich came as a real surprise, especially considering how pivotal the Colombian had been in their recent Premier League title success.
Diaz personified the intensity and attacking threat that Liverpool thrived on, regularly stretching defences and opening space for those around him. His tireless pressing, defensive work rate, and ability to produce decisive moments in the final third made him a key figure throughout that title-winning campaign.
What made the move even more unexpected was the absence of a clear replacement within the squad. Diaz brought a unique combination of energy, flair, and directness — traits that are not easily replicated. His willingness to take on defenders one-on-one often proved crucial in tight matches, giving Liverpool a cutting edge when creativity was otherwise lacking.
Since arriving in Germany, Diaz has adapted effortlessly at Bayern Munich. His pace, dribbling, and attacking output have added another dimension to an already formidable side. He has quickly won over supporters, contributing goals and assists while maintaining the relentless work ethic that defined his time at Anfield.
Back at Anfield, Liverpool are clearly feeling his absence. While they still possess quality in wide areas, there is a noticeable drop in unpredictability and direct attacking threat. Too often, their play lacks the explosiveness Diaz provided, particularly in isolating defenders and forcing mistakes. Replacing that unique combination of skill and intensity has proven far more difficult than expected.
It is why sporting director Richard Hughes is targeting at least two wingers with pace and directness this summer. And one of those players could be coming from the same place Michael Edwards originally secured Diaz — Porto.
Lightning could strike twice.
According to Record, Liverpool are eyeing a move for 17-year-old Oskar Pietuszewski. The Polish youngster has set the world alight since arriving at Porto and has already established himself as a key player for the Portuguese side and the Polish senior national team.
Pietuszewski is incredibly fast and direct, registering seven goal contributions in just 852 minutes of action for Porto — an impressive average of 0.74 goal contributions per 90 minutes for a teenager. He already boasts more than 60 first-team appearances for Jagiellonia and Porto combined, despite being only a few months younger than Liverpool’s own Rio Ngumoha.
Like Diaz, he is a natural left-winger who excels in one-versus-one situations. What stands out most, however, is his desire and work-rate, which mirror the Colombian’s intensity. Pietuszewski is a relentless runner who loves to press high and track back to support his full-back and defence.
In a crucial match against Benfica, he won an incredible four tackles. Across his appearances for Porto, he averages 7.57 defensive duels per 90 minutes — an extraordinarily high volume for an attacking player.
On paper, he represents the perfect fit for Arne Slot’s Liverpool: youthful, proven at a high level already, technically gifted, and tactically disciplined. Michael Edwards appears ready to repeat history by unearthing another diamond from Porto.
If the deal materialises, Pietuszewski could provide exactly the spark Liverpool have been missing since Diaz’s departure. With his pace, directness, and tireless work ethic, the teenager has all the ingredients to become the next cult hero on the Anfield left flank.
Liverpool fans will be watching developments closely. After the success of the Diaz signing, Edwards and the recruitment team once again look poised to deliver a masterstroke in the transfer market.