Liverpool set to begin contract talks with 27-year-old star after transfer U-turn: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly set to begin talks with Luis Diaz over the possibility of extending his stay at the club following his impressive start to the season. Diaz has been in red-hot form since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, playing an integral part in the Reds' positive results since Arne Slot took over the Merseyside club.

The Colombian winger scored a brace in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday (September 21). With five strikes, he is now the second highest goalscorer this season, behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (10).

According to Football Insider, talks are expected to commence between Liverpool and Luis Diaz over a new and improved deal to extend his stay at Anfield. The player's incredible start to the season has prompted the club to speed up contract talks as they aim to finalize a deal by the end of 2024.

Luis Diaz’s current contract at Anfield will expire in 2027, but due to interest from other clubs in Europe, particularly Barcelona, the club is now aiming to secure his long-term future. The Colombian winger joined the Merseyside club in 2022 from Portuguese side Porto. In 104 appearances for the Reds across competitions, he has scored 29 goals and provided 14 assists.

Former Liverpool player explains why he thinks Mohamed Salah will extend his stay at the club

Former goalkeeper David James, now a Sky Sports pundit, believes that Mohamed Salah will continue at Anfield beyond this season. The former shot-stopper claimed that Salah’s form this season is a clear indication that he wants to stay at the Merseyside club.

The Egyptian's contract with the Reds will expire next summer, having last signed a contract extension in 2022 that made him the highest paid player in the club. Speaking on Salah’s current situation at Anfield, David James said (via Team Talk);

“I think if Mo Salah wanted out of Liverpool, or he had his head turned by the other opportunities available to him, then I don’t think you’d see the version of Mo Salah we’ve seen so far,” James said.

"We know he can earn huge sums of money by moving elsewhere and he could take a move to one of those places and not have to produce the standard of performance he does for Liverpool. For me, I look at what Salah is producing in the shirt as a barometer to his desire and likelihood of signing a new contract."

James added:

“His first three performances were sensational. He’s back and looked better than we’ve seen him, and when you’re Mo Salah and you have his body of work, that’s really saying something. What Mo’s doing, it looks like he could produce a season that could be his best at Liverpool. That’s why I think he’ll stay. He’s not slowing down, he’s going up through the gears.”