Liverpool could try to sneak in on a Manchester United transfer to replace Sadio Mane and assist Luis Diaz.
Man City have added Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to their attack, and with only five subs available next season, Liverpool need a serious summer signing like Darwin Nunez to keep up with their rivals.
Throughout the second half of the season, pundits were lining up to declare Luis Diaz as one of THE January transfer window signings.
That's modern football commentary for you. Something must be the best or the worst. There's really no such thing as a middle ground. Despite the early praise, the jury should still be out in the case of Diaz.
For the time being, the only certainty about the Colombian is that he is eye-catching: quick, flashy, and capable of beating a man or two.
He seems to have the potential to be a world-beater, but let's not get our hopes up. Diaz averaged an assist every five and a half hours and a goal every four hours in the Premier League. In six and a half hours of Champions League action, he scored two goals and assisted once for Liverpool.
He made a strong start to the Champions League final, but faded quickly and was replaced shortly after the hour mark. Diaz will need some time to adjust to the Premier League and Jurgen Klopp's style of play. He could have the same long-term impact on Liverpool as Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane, but we'll have to wait and see.
However, he is unlikely to be overly prolific. If Mane leaves, Klopp will have to take action. There is no crisis at Anfield upon finishing second in the Premier League, winning the FA Cup and League Cup, and being narrowly defeated in the Champions League final.
With Klopp in charge for at least another four years, the future will be just as interesting as this season. But if Mane does leave, it will be a huge blow for Klopp and Liverpool. Any notion that Klopp could make do with what he was left with after signing Diaz and Diogo Jota is fanciful.
Keep in mind that, in addition to Erling Haaland, Argentine forward Julian Alvarez will be available to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City next season. The 22-year-old, who was loaned back from River Plate after being purchased for £14 million, scored six goals in one Copa Libertadores game last month.
It goes without saying that City will be a formidable attacking force once again next season. Don't forget about next season. Guardiola will have the option of using five substitutes if he so desires. Because of that ridiculous rule, depth will be even more important. The arrival of 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho would provide Klopp with another option, but if Mane leaves, Klopp will require more reliable firepower.
Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with Manchester United and performed admirably for Benfica against Liverpool, is an obvious option.
Even if Mane stays, which does seem unlikely, Nunez is the type of player Liverpool needs to keep up with City. Despite those late-season disappointments, Liverpool had such a fantastic season. But, as is the way of the modern football world, Liverpool will need to reinvest extensively if they are to repeat.
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