Liverpool
The Impact of Luis Díaz’s Transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich
Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich reshapes attacking options and transfer strategy for Liverpool and Bayern.

Luis Díaz has followed in the footsteps of Liverpool legend Sadio Mané by making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich after a commendable stint at Anfield. During his time in the Premier League, Díaz scored 13 goals in the league, second only to Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s squad under Arne Slot. His role as a secondary attacking threat to Salah was vital, and despite Liverpool’s eagerness to retain him, Díaz sought a fresh challenge, leading to Bayern securing his services for £65.6 million ($88.1 million).
Liverpool, having already invested heavily in the transfer market this summer—approaching £300 million ($398.6 million) with the addition of Hugo Ekitiké—may not be finished yet. The club is reportedly keen on signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, whose desire to leave has become apparent following Newcastle’s summer activity centered on Viktor Gyökeres at Arsenal. Isak’s potential move to Liverpool would be facilitated by the funds from Díaz’s departure and would raise the prospect of a record fee possibly around £150 million ($199.3 million).
Phillipe Gakpo, another beneficiary of Arne Slot’s management, saw a positional change from center forward to a wide role last season. Díaz’s exit reduces competition in that position, although Hugo Ekitiké might also be deployed on the flank depending on tactical needs.
At Bayern, Díaz’s arrival fills a crucial gap on the left wing, a role once filled by Leroy Sané. The club hopes he will complement key players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise effectively, akin to the Serge Gnabry-Kingsley Coman partnership of the 2019-20 treble-winning squad. Kane, who arguably benefits the most from Díaz’s energy and off-the-ball work, will see a reduction in his defensive responsibilities and gain a teammate who consistently makes penetrating runs.
Bayern’s acquisition of Díaz likely sidelines their pursuit of Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade for now, despite Woltemade being regarded as a promising long-term successor to Kane, who is 32 and approaching the latter stages of his contract.
Meanwhile, at Liverpool, the tactical use of Ekitiké, especially if Isak is signed, could see the team deploy a two-striker system or shift the French forward to a wider role. The young striker is more natural as a central forward, but Slot’s fluid system could accommodate different arrangements effectively.
Injuries have also impacted Liverpool’s squad this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister sidelined for two months, highlighted by a recent setback in training. Díaz previously spoke about his strong bond with Mac Allister and Darwin Núñez, underscoring the significance of these player relationships within the squad.
This summer’s moves reflect strategic shifts and financial decisions that will shape both Liverpool and Bayern Munich’s campaigns in the 2025/26 season.
Liverpool
Liverpool Officially Assigns Shirt Numbers to New Signings for 2025/26 Season
Liverpool assigns official squad numbers for Wirtz, Ekitiké, and new signings ahead of 2025/26 season.

Liverpool has released the squad’s official shirt numbers ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, coinciding with the launch of their new adidas home and away kits. Among the notable changes, Florian Wirtz has been handed the prestigious No. 7 shirt, previously worn by club legends including Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suárez. This number became available after Luis Díaz’s transfer to Bayern Munich.
Hugo Ekitiké will sport the No. 22 shirt this season. Historically, this number was assigned to reserve goalkeepers such as Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius but was worn by right back Calvin Ramsay during his two senior appearances since joining from Aberdeen in 2022.
New acquisitions Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong will wear numbers 6 and 30, respectively. Giorgi Mamardashvili takes the No. 25 shirt, while Freddie Woodman has been assigned No. 28 following his free transfer to the club. Youth goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi, signed from Puskás Akadémia, will wear No. 41.
Among existing squad members, Conor Bradley has moved up from the high number 84 to No. 12, stepping into a role left vacant by Trent Alexander-Arnold, marking the first time the No.12 shirt has been used since Joe Gomez in the 2021–22 season. Additionally, young midfielder Trey Nyoni has changed his number from 98 to 42.
The new squad numbers mark a fresh start for Liverpool as they prepare for the challenges of the current season with a blend of experienced and emerging talent.
Liverpool
Liverpool Launch New Adidas Home and Away Kits for 2025-26 Season
Liverpool reveal their 2025-26 adidas home and away kits, starting a decade-long partnership.

Liverpool have introduced their new home and away kits for the 2025–26 season, marking the start of their decade-long partnership with adidas. Following a pre-season period where players wore Nike kits with temporary squad numbers, the new adidas kits are now officially available to fans.
The home kit features a classic red base highlighted by traditional adidas white accents. Meanwhile, the away shirt adopts a nostalgic design with an off-white base complemented by black and red detailing. Notably, Liverpool’s club crest appears within a shield inspired by the shape of Anfield’s Main Stand from 1906. Both kits include the iconic ’97’ emblem surrounded by eternal flames on the back, a tribute to the club’s history.
In a charitable initiative aligned with the kit release, Liverpool announced that all profits from shirts featuring Diogo Jota’s name and number will be donated to the LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity.
Ben Latty, Liverpool’s chief commercial officer, commented, “This is more than just the launch of a new kit—it marks the beginning of a 10-year relationship for LFC and adidas. Since announcing the partnership in March, there’s been a huge sense of anticipation and excitement. This first collection sets the tone for seasons to come.”
Adidas football GM Sam Handy added, “The return of adidas to Liverpool FC is a momentous occasion for us. Seeing our iconic three stripes adorning Liverpool FC kits again is something we’re incredibly proud of. The Home jersey is a true representation of the Liverpool DNA—classy and understated, while the away jersey pays homage to the club’s rich history. I speak on behalf of everyone at adidas when I say this is just the start of an incredible journey and we’re extremely excited for what’s to come.”
Fans will have their first opportunity to see the new home kit during the friendly double-header against Athletic Club at Anfield on August 4. The away kit will debut in Liverpool Women’s pre-season friendly against Aston Villa on August 9, followed by the men’s side wearing it in the Community Shield match a day later.
Liverpool
Projecting Liverpool’s Attack: Integrating Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool’s Arne Slot plans to integrate new strikers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in 25/26 season.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot faces an intriguing challenge: how to incorporate both new strikers Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak into a winning offensive scheme. Following a Premier League title-winning campaign, Slot has crafted a squad that now includes two proven attacking talents, promising to reshape Liverpool’s frontline significantly.
Ekitike, who demonstrated his effectiveness working alongside Omar Marmoush at Eintracht Frankfurt, naturally tends to drift wide to the left, cutting inside and linking play in the final third. This ability to pull defenders and combine creatively is a valuable trait that could complement Isak’s play style.
Isak, coming from Newcastle United and recognized as one of Europe’s top-performing strikers last season, excels by timing his runs behind defenses and holding his position on defenders’ shoulders. His presence adds a proven Premier League goal threat. Yet, Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz also poses a selection dilemma for Slot, complicating a two-striker set-up.
Last season, Liverpool often employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a pressing shape of 4-2-4. Introducing a two-striker system might shift the team’s configuration to a 4-4-2 in possession or even a 3-2-5 depending on fullback positioning. Ekitike and Isak could interchange roles fluidly, with Isak comfortable rotating to wide positions and Ekitike adept at withdrawing from striker to wide areas—mirroring the dynamic partnership Ekitike had with Marmoush.
The pressing responsibilities would likely fall upon the two forwards, maintaining Liverpool’s tactical intensity. Mohamed Salah’s right flank role remains unaffected, while Cody Gakpo retains seniority on the left. The key question remains whether Ekitike and Isak’s similar positional habits might limit their partnership’s effectiveness, and if that leaves room for Wirtz in the lineup.
Slot’s ambition to integrate his summer signings is clear, but he must realistically weigh whether Liverpool’s strategy can accommodate both Ekitike and Isak simultaneously, or if one must give way to balance the squad alongside Wirtz.