Liverpool Target £38m Nusa as a Smarter Diaz Replacement Than Rodrygo – Opinion
Following Jurgen Klopp’s exit at the end of the 2023/24 season, Liverpool faced an uncertain future. But new manager Arne Slot quickly proved himself by winning the Premier League in his first season—despite limited transfer activity, with Federico Chiesa being the only major signing (and barely featuring).
Now, the club is in a stronger financial position and ready to invest, as shown by the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz. A deal for Alexander Isak is also reportedly under consideration.
With Luis Diaz joining Bayern Munich, Liverpool now need to fill the void on the left wing. Diaz had a standout season with 25 goal contributions—second only to Mo Salah—but with his contract winding down and no agreement on an extension, the Colombian requested a move. While his decision likely stems from financial motives, Slot would prefer not to keep a player who’s no longer fully committed.
Rodrygo has long been linked with Liverpool and remains on the club’s radar. However, the Real Madrid star’s price tag—estimated at £78m—could be hard to justify, especially with a major move for Isak also in play. Instead, Liverpool may pursue a more financially sensible option.
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are now in the race to sign Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig. The 20-year-old Norwegian winger, previously linked to Newcastle, is valued at around €45m (£38m), making him a far more affordable alternative to Rodrygo.
Despite his youth, Nusa has earned high praise. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland even called him “exceptional,” warning only not to overload him with expectations too early. Nusa also brings defensive commitment to his game—he averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per match in the Bundesliga last season.
Analytics site FBref highlights his standout metrics: he ranks in the top 14% of European wingers for successful take-ons and in the top 19% for tackles per 90 minutes. He also became the second-youngest Champions League goalscorer in history just two years ago.
While Rodrygo posted impressive numbers last season—14 goals and 11 assists—he managed just six league goals. There’s no doubt he’s a proven talent, but is he worth twice the cost of Nusa?
Liverpool could be better off backing Nusa’s potential rather than splashing out on Rodrygo. The young winger has all the tools to become a star—and possibly a smarter long-term investment
