Tottenham Hotspur might’ve missed out on a gem in the form of Liverpool new addition Luis Diaz.
Liverpool signed the Colombia international for £49 million shortly before the transfer window closed in January.
The Reds actually pipped Tottenham to the signing of Diaz, who rejected a potential move to the Lilywhites once Jurgen Klopp and co made their interest known.
And on his debut, Diaz grabbed a brilliant assist as Liverpool beat Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round this past weekend.
Now a former Tottenham target – Sergio Oliveira – has promised £45 million Anfield attacker Diogo Jota that he’ll score a lot more goals as a result of the South American’s arrival on Merseyside.
According to Jota, speaking to Premier League productions: “I know his abilities and, for example, I had a chat with Sergio Oliveira, who is now in Rome, and he’s saying, ‘Now you’re going to score even more goals because Luis is an outstanding dribbler and he will get you those chances.
“He’s a great player and I think he will be good in the Premier League and good for us obviously.”
Mane successor
Oliveira – who wanted to join Tottenham last summer [A Bola] – clearly knows what he’s talking about.
The 29-year-old was a teammate of Diaz at Porto before joining Roma on a season-long loan and therefore he obviously knows how good the Colombian attacker is.
It’ll be fascinating to see if Diaz can keep Sadio Mane out of the first XI long term.
The Senegal international helped his country to Africa Cup of Nations glory on Sunday but he’ll be due back to Liverpool soon.
However, Diaz is four years younger and more than likely signed as Mane’s long-term successor, rather than someone who’ll take his place in Klopp’s starting lineup immediately.
Nevertheless, Diaz’s cameo on Sunday and £49 million price-tag indicates that Tottenham could’ve found themselves quite a signing if not for the Anfield outfit’s intervention.
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