Liverpool hatch new transfer plan as three players wanted amid Isak struggles

Luis Diaz left Liverpool for Bayern Munich this summer for £65.5m, with the winger scoring 11 goals in 16 games for the Bundesliga side, while the Reds have struggled in his absence.

Liverpool's summer transfer business has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent months - with many new signings failing to make an instant impact. Despite splashing out around £450million in total, the performances of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike have come under particular pressure.

But it's not just the new arrivals that have raised eyebrows, with some departures also drawing criticism. Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid was a significant loss for the Reds, who have since struggled to fill the right-back position.

Another notable exit was Luis Diaz, who swapped Liverpool for Bayern Munich in a deal worth around £65.5m. The 28-year-old winger joined the Reds from FC Porto in January 2022 and quickly became a key player for both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

During his three-and-a-half-year stint at Anfield, Diaz made 148 appearances, netting 41 goals and providing 23 assists. He played a crucial role in Liverpool's Premier League triumph last season.

However, his departure to Bayern Munich over the summer marked the end of an era. While the move seemed sensible given the substantial fee involved, it's now evident how much Liverpool have missed him.

The attacking line hasn't gelled whatsoever, with Isak and Ekitike both struggling to be on the pitch at the same time, while that fragmented forward-line is delivering a shortage of crucial goals - despite opportunities coming their way.

That becomes even more painful with Diaz underlining to the club precisely what they're lacking during his brief stint at Bayern Munich thus far. The winger has been consistently finding the net, netting 11 times in 16 outings for the German champions - with five assists added to the tally to bring his contribution rate to a goal involvement per match.

The sole setback arrived in the victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League where, despite his double strike, the ex-Liverpool star received his marching orders for a reckless tackle on Achraf Hakimi - which in turn resulted in a three-game suspension in the tournament.

Regardless, it has been a predominantly encouraging beginning for Diaz, who has injected attacking flair into the forward-line, assisting in supporting Harry Kane and Michael Olise up front.

This was emphasised when Bayern manager Vincent Kompany said recently: "Considering that this is his very first season and his first steps in Germany, he's been impressive. His activity and energy fit very well into the team. He's always involved, always there."

It's the kind of dynamism that Slot hasn't been able to utilise, with Isak's fitness levels not quite at the required standard yet, while Wirtz continues adapting to the Premier League's physical demands.

The left flank has seen a carousel of players; including Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Ngumoha this season, indicating a lack of stability - an element that Diaz undoubtedly provided.

With that in mind, Sky Sport Germany have reported that Liverpool are looking for a winger in January that can make an immediate impact. AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is right at the top of their wish-list - with the Ghana international incidentally scoring twice for the Cherries at Anfield in August.

The Reds are monitoring strikers with 'favourable market conditions' and are reportedly also in the market for a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi once again targeted.