January Transfer Window: Luis Diaz Arrives! But it is still not complete yet!

To be honest, prior to the signing of Luis Diaz, I was like damn we're heading to another window with no signings again. Until this literal hijack of a transfer took place. Because we were so sure that Tottenham suddenly was gunning for his signature and then that forced FSG's hand to jump in on the deal.

Here's the rundown of this profile:

LUIS DIAZ
SHIRT NUMBER 23
FEES: 50M Euro - (37.50M EUROS + 12.50M add ons)

Born: 13th January 1997, just turned 25
Goals: 20 in all competitions since July 2021, 6 assists
Positions: Left Midfield, Left Winger / Forward.

The transfer of Luis Diaz is win win for both sides of the party. Because from what I heard, yesterday UEFA was about to sanction FC Porto due to their outstanding debt, until Liverpool just jumped the gun to just helped pay something like 8 mill up front to wipe off the debt first before finalising the details. Moreover, there may be still outstanding payments needed from Porto for our recent sale of Marko Grujic. Therefore, just maybe, we just settle both of these in one shot then we'll probably end up paying abit less at the end of the day.

Still not a complete squad yet. Cause' we still need a massive overhaul in the midfield department. This is a must do in the summer, at least 2 MFs, which includes one that can play the holding DM role. And a deputy RB over Neco Williams, then this squad is set. But at least now we can set a new Fab 3 as the current lot of Salah, Firmino and Mane reaches their thirties and now we have deputies in Elliott (RW, RM), Jota (ST, FW / Winger at either wing) and Diaz (LW, LAM). But we need to tie down Mo Salah's contract, because he's well set to go far in his AFCON with Egypt now at the Semi Finals although Mane and Keita also have been producing masterclasses themselves during the tournament as well.

NEXT MATCH: 

CARDIFF - FA Cup 6th Feb, and LEICESTER, PL 10 Feb - Both at home

With AFCON wrapping up soon, it'll be interesting to see the return of most if not all the players by next weekend. But for sure, for the PL home match vs Leicester, for the first time in a very long while we'll have a full 100% availability of all players in the squad. That being said, I'd give Salah and Mane some time off for their achievements and esp Mo because he had been playing for 2 consecutive 120 min matches this week.

That said, here's my predicted lineup vs Cardiff. For sure, although Cardiff is no pushover, we have some room to experiment people and / or give minutes to those returning from injuries. I'd assume Luis Diaz won't be available in time which is not that big a deal but might be for Leicester.

GK: Kelleher - Obvious choice, bugger has been a revelation during this entire cup run. 
RB: Neco Williams
CBs: Gomez, Konate,
LB: Tsimikas
DM: Morton
CMs: Ox, Jones
Forwards: Elliott, Jota, Firmino

Lineup vs Leicester

GK: Alisson
RB: TAA
CBs: Konate, Van Dijk
LB: Robertson
DM: Fabinho
CM: Hendo, Thiago
FWs: Salah, Jota, Diaz.