Rivals in the Spanish La Liga turned ‘friends’ in the 2025 summer transfer market: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are destined to mirror one another this season. One side looks to advance by facilitating its “exit operation”; the other aims to finalize its attacking reinforcements to fully challenge on all fronts in 2025–26.
But two teams alone aren’t enough—this dynamic needs a third, decisive party: Arne Slot’s Liverpool. The Reds have already invested over $233 million in the English market, making them one of the most proactive clubs around. And Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes isn’t finished yet. Following the signings of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, the former Bournemouth player wants to complete what could become one of Europe’s most fearsome attacks.
So what connection do Luis Díaz and Rodrygo Goes have beyond representing Liverpool and Real Madrid, respectively, both under contract until 2027 and 2028?
Let’s break it down:
Although the English club recently rejected a bid of $78.75 million from Bayern Munich for the Colombian winger, Liverpool still values Díaz at $116.64 million, and he remains on Barça’s radar—more highly prized by the Catalan sporting director than Marcus Rashford. Despite Liverpool’s high asking price being at odds with Barça’s financial realities, Díaz reportedly wants out of Anfield—and Barcelona has yet to give up on him.
That’s where Rodrygo comes in.
Just as Barcelona monitor Díaz, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the Brazilian striker. Real Madrid had valued Rodrygo at $116.64 million, but his underwhelming performance at the Club World Cup raised doubts and put suitors on alert. Arsenal initially showed interest, but pending deals for Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres—agreed in principle but not finalized—pushed the Gunners aside. Then, as reported in AS, Liverpool entered the picture.
If Barça could lure Díaz with a substantial offer, Liverpool could use the funds to pursue Rodrygo. That scenario would satisfy all: Barcelona and Liverpool improve their attacking options, while Real Madrid gain a significant influx of cash to further fund Xabi Alonso’s project, into which they’ve already invested roughly $198 million.
Some might ask: How can Liverpool, after spending over $233 million, still afford to bid more than $93 million for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt—and potentially Rodrygo Goes? Unlike Díaz, Darwin Núñez is considered available. Having paid nearly $105 million for the Uruguayan, the Reds aren’t inclined to offload their only pure ‘9’. But if they manage to sell Díaz and Núñez for high fees, the idea of adding Ekitike and Rodrygo under Arne Slot’s command becomes far less far‑fetched.