So, Liverpool are seemingly about to make a significant move in the market for the first time in a while, as a £37.5m deal for Luis Diaz nears.
As the BBC explain, the Reds were planning to sign the Colombia international in the summer, but the prospect of him joining Tottenham this month forced them into action.
Julian Ward has led negotiations for Diaz, with Sporting Director Michael Edwards – who is set to leave Anfield this summer – playing a supporting role.
Diaz has already had a taste of Anfield this season when he played in Porto’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool back on November 24th.
You may be wondering if that means the 25-year-old is now cup-tied for the knockout stages – let’s take a look.
Fear not Liverpool fans, Luis Diaz can play in the Champions League
Despite making six Champions League appearances already this season, Diaz is eligible to play for Liverpool in the remainder of the competition.
This is down to a rule change made by UEFA in 2018, which effectively separates the group stage to the knockout phase.
Players are allowed to play for one club in the group stage, and another in the knockout phases, with the deadline for an updated squad set at February 2nd.
Clubs are allowed to register a maximum of three new players at this stage of the competition.
Bad news for someone at Liverpool
Unfortunately, Jürgen Klopp is going to have to remove an overseas player from his Champions League squad if Diaz is to be registered (ECHO).
You can see the entire squad – which includes many homegrown options – on the UEFA website here, where there aren’t many overseas players Klopp would like to remove.
Perhaps someone like Takumi Minamino will have to make way, which would be very harsh on the Japan international.
Nevertheless, Diaz has to be involved, so keep an eye on who Klopp decides to axe in place of the Colombian marksman.
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