Latest news with #BenJacobs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Diaz Contract Talks Stall as Saudi Club Prepare Major Bid
Luis Diaz Future in Doubt as Al Nassr Ready Huge Bid Interest in Diaz intensifies despite Liverpool's firm stance Luis Diaz's Liverpool future has become one of the most pressing narratives of the transfer window. Despite the club's efforts to extend his stay at Anfield, fresh reports indicate that the Colombian winger may be edging closer to the exit door. Advertisement According to journalist Ben Jacobs on X, 'Luis Diaz remains Al-Nassr's top left-wing target, even after Liverpool told Barcelona he is not for sale.' This firm rejection from the Reds to a major European club has not deterred Saudi side Al Nassr, who are reportedly preparing to test Liverpool's resolve with a substantial offer. 'Nassr (are) prepared to offer in excess of €85m. Diaz was open to Barcelona, but it's still unclear if he'll consider Saudi. Nassr have several other options they will now discuss with incoming head coach Jorge Jesus,' Jacobs continued. Contract talks strained as uncertainty grows Liverpool's attempts to renew Diaz's contract this summer have reportedly been met with frustration from the player's camp. As noted by Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, the winger's representatives feel the club have reneged on verbal commitments regarding a potential move or improved terms. Advertisement Diaz, who still has two years left on his current deal which runs to 2027, was Liverpool's second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah during the 2024/25 season. His importance to the squad cannot be understated, yet contract negotiations have reached a concerning stalemate. Al Nassr's pursuit continues under Jorge Jesus Al Nassr's ambition to land Diaz persists despite their recent managerial change. Jorge Jesus, the former Benfica and Sporting CP manager, has reportedly given his approval to target the Colombian international. This continuity suggests the club's interest runs deep and is not a mere opportunistic approach. The potential bid, over €85 million, would represent a significant profit for Liverpool, who signed Diaz from Porto for around €45 million plus €15 million in add-ons. It would also rank as one of the most lucrative sales in the club's history, trailing only Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona. Photo: IMAGO Financial and footballing implications A move to Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly raise questions about Diaz's motivations and Liverpool's direction under new boss Arne Slot. With Barcelona still circling and Al Nassr intensifying their efforts, Liverpool's position, and the player's own intentions, remain delicately poised. Advertisement Selling Diaz could potentially fund a bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, long admired at Anfield. But it would also leave a glaring hole in the side's left flank, something the current squad may struggle to fill without a like-for-like replacement of similar quality. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Luis Diaz has fast become a fan favourite, for his flair, his work rate, and his relentless energy. Most Liverpool supporters would hate to see him go, especially to the Saudi Pro League. While the money might be tempting, this would be more than just a financial transaction, it would feel like a sporting compromise. The failure to secure Diaz to a new contract is worrying. If the reports are true and the player's camp feels betrayed, it points to poor communication and strategic missteps within the club's leadership. That can't be the standard going forward under Arne Slot. Advertisement Letting Diaz go might help fund a move for a player like Isak, but there's no guarantee the Norwegian would adapt as quickly or offer the same spark on the wing. Diaz is more than just a stats player, he lifts the crowd, scares defenders, and embodies the intensity Liverpool pride themselves on. If there's any hope of keeping him, FSG and Slot need to fix this. Quickly.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool have ‘no plans' to meet Marc Guehi price tag
Liverpool have no plans to meet Crystal Palace's current asking price of around £50m for Marc Guehi. The Premier League champions are interested in a deal to sign the defender but are not prepared to meet the current price tag. Guehi has been targeted as a replacement for Jarell Quansah, who is set to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a £34m deal. Advertisement The former has just 12 months to run on his contract at Palace and Liverpool will not pay over the odds for the England international. Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United are also interested in Guehi, while Tottenham Hotspur had an offer turned down in January. Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed Liverpool value Guehi at 'well south' of £50m. The Reds are reportedly seeking a deal for around £30m. If Palace are reluctant to lower their expectations, Liverpool will move on to alternative targets. Guehi, meanwhile, hasn't ruled out seeing out the final season of his contract. The 24-year-old wants assurances over his minutes next season with the 2026 World Cup looming. A free transfer exit next summer would also grant him an extensive list of potential clubs. Advertisement Liverpool also like Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and are targeting a youthful centre-back to provide cover, and eventually competition, for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. The latter has also entered the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield and has been linked with Real Madrid. Discussions are ongoing over a new deal for the France international. Read – 'Significant gap' between Liverpool and Napoli in Nunez talks See more – Iconic Performances: A teenage Pelé conquers the world Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr ‘plot £85million move for Liverpool's Luis Diaz' after handing Man Utd legend new deal
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are prepared to pay Liverpool £85million for Luis Diaz, reports claim. The Saudi Pro League side are in hunt for fresh talent after handing Ronaldo the most lucrative contract in sporting history. 5 5 With two years remaining on his Anfield contract, Diaz opened the door to a surprise exit after confessing he was in talks with other clubs. The 28-year-old winger played a key role in Liverpool's title-winning season, contributing 17 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. Liverpool haven't offered Diaz a contract extension and he could be marginalised after the £116million arrival of club-record signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. According to a report by Okaz, Al-Nassr have set their sights on Diaz and are open to offering a staggering £85million. Journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed Al-Nassr's interest and hinted that while Liverpool currently have no intention of selling, such a huge bid could tempt the club's hierarchy to reconsider. The report did add that "the final decision is left to the player himself", with the Colombia international also strongly linked with cash-strapped Barcelona. Al-Nassr are planning a mega recruitment drive after missing out on Asian Champions League football next season and failing to win a title since Ronaldo, 40, joined from Manchester United in 2021. SunSport previously reported that Liverpool valued Diaz at £70million, so the club might be drawn in by banking £15million more. 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But SPORT have claimed that Barca are "convinced" that they will finally land Diaz when the second-half of the summer window opens after the Club World Cup. His girlfriend, Gera Ponce, posted an emotional Instagram message which some fans believed was a farewell. Man Utd open to Rasmus Hojlund offers LATEST with Italian giants keen | Transfers Exposed She wrote under a slideshow of photos showcasing Diaz's triumphs in the 2024-25 season: "From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club. "We knew the slogan was 'You'll Never Walk Alone', but to hear them sing it with so much passion, support us every moment and show such unconditional love... confirmed to us that here you never walk alone. "This fanbase doesn't just support, it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls." But Liverpool boss Arne Slot is eager to keep Diaz for next season's title defence after his ever-growing £216MILLION reboot, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez joining over the last month.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Jacobs reveals what position Estevao Willian wants to play for Chelsea
Ben Jacobs reveals what position Estevao Willian wants to play for Chelsea Estevao Willian wants to play as a number ten for Chelsea and is expected to be part of the first team squad next season according to Ben Jacobs. The Blues agreed a deal with Palmeiras last summer worth up to £51.4m for the 18-year-old, who will join up with his new team-mates after the Club World Cup. Advertisement Chelsea are currently preparing for their last 16 tie against Benfica and could meet Estevao and Palmeiras in the quarter finals if they beat Botafogo on Saturday. Estevao wants to play as a number ten for Chelsea There's a lot of excitement surrounding the arrival of Estevao and the teenager is already a full Brazil international. Estevao has broken records set by Neymar in the Brazilian league, whilst he's also impressed at the Club World Cup with two man of match awards from three group stage matches. Estevao will join Chelsea after the Club World Cup. (Photo by) Chelsea believe Estevao is a generational talent, whilst former Blue Willian has compared the winger to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Advertisement Estevao has spoken of how it's a dream to join Chelsea, and Jacobs has told talkSPORT the Brazilian sensation wants to play as a number ten next season. Chelsea currently have Cole Palmer occupying that role, but other than that don't have an alternative, but it's likely Estevao will play on the right and possibly cover at number ten if needed. Chelsea in the market for a versatile forward Despite the arrival of Estevao, Chelsea are in the market for a versatile forward given both Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix are likely to leave this summer. More Stories / Latest News Ben Jacobs reveals what position Estevao Willian wants to play for Chelsea Advertisement 28th Jun 2025, 08:15am 'An open story this summer' – Romano provides interesting update on future of 11 g/a Chelsea star 28th Jun 2025, 07:45am 'My plan'- Enzo Maresca speaks out on Josh Acheampong's future after Borussia Dortmund links 28th Jun 2025, 07:15am Chelsea have been linked with Joao Pedro, Mohammed Kudus and Hugo Ekitike, but are yet to make an official offer for any of the trio. The Blues are said to be discussing a move for Pedro, although they face stiff competition from Newcastle, with Brighton said to want around £60m for the 23-year-old.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen prepare €30m offer for Justin Kluivert
Ben Jacobs reports that Bayer 04 Leverkusen are set to get serious about acquiring Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert. Rumors linking the former RB Leipzig man with a return to the Bundesliga are certainly not new. The fact that Bournemouth had no interest in selling nevertheless led most to dismiss the talk. Jacobs notes that a formal offer has not yet been submitted. The 2023/24 Bundesliga Champions still have a specific figure in mind. Leverkusen believe a sum of €30m should be sufficient to procure the €35m-valued attacker. The Cherries paid roughly one third of that amount to purchase Kluivert from AS Roma in July 2023. Advertisement Kluivert did make his affinity for German football known during his brief stint on loan at RB Leipzig during the 2020/21 campaign, even bidding a fond farewell to Saxony in an instagram post at his time of departure. Kluivert scored four goals across all competitions for Julian Nagelsmann's German Red Bulls that year. His current EPL contract runs through 2028. GGFN | Peter Weis
