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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could lose third player to Saudi as '£43m bid' in pipeline
Jurgen Klopp is facing a battle to keep hold of several important Liverpool players this summer amid interest from elsewhere.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be staring down the barrel of another high-profile exit as the Merseyside outfit brace for a big-money offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Luis Diaz is the latest star to attract interest from the Middle East, although the Reds are expected to resist the temptation to cash in.
Two long-serving Liverpool stars are already on the verge of landing in the Saudi Pro League. Club captain Jordan Henderson has reportedly agreed personal terms to join up with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq on an eye-watering £700,000-a-week contract.
Meanwhile, Fabinho has been given permission to complete a £40million move to Saudi champions Al-Ittihad. Reds hero Roberto Firmino is also part of the Middle Eastern transfer spree, although his move to Al-Ahli was completed as a free agent.
Diaz could be the next in line as Record claim that Al-Hilal are weighing up a £43m bid for his services. However, Liverpool aren't expected to entertain the offer, given that they shelled out a similar fee to sign the Colombian just over 18 months ago.
The 26-year-old is an important member of Klopp's attacking ranks, with his pace and trickery proving an effective weapon at Premier League level. Diaz has notched 11 goals in 47 matches for the Reds since completing a £37m move from Porto in 2022.
Liverpool fans were left frustrated last season when a crippling knee injury kept him out of action for six months. Diaz is now back in fighting shape, however, and Klopp reportedly wants to keep him at Anfield for the upcoming campaign.
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The player's stance on a possible move to Saudi remains to be seen, with astronomical wages turning the heads of numerous top European stars. Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and N'Golo Kante are among these set to earn their living in the Middle East next season.
Al-Hilal's interest in Diaz reportedly comes from the club's manager, Jorge Jesus, who had time to appreciate the Liverpool star at close quarters while they were both in Portugal between 2020 and 2021.
Speaking on Diaz's comeback from injury at the end of last season, Klopp said: "We are so excited about it, we were always excited about it. He's a natural player. I love him, absolutely love him. It's unbelievable.
"He's so football smart, moving in the right areas, naturally defending from his position, goal threat, speed, cheeky. Very, very special player, I have to say. We missed him a lot."