'Pep Guardiola didn't want me to leave Man City – I could replace Mo Salah at Liverpool'
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Pep Guardiola will be left licking his wounds should Brahim Diaz join Liverpool. The 25-year-old is certainly familiar with the Spanish mastermind, given he spent three years under Guardiola's tutelage at Manchester City before he was sold to Real Madrid in January 2019. While the winger only made 15 senior appearances for the Citizens during his time at the Etihad, Guardiola spotted a wealth of potential in Diaz.
Speaking around the time of his transfer, Guardiola said: "Playing in the top teams is not easy for young players, but he showed his qualities again. His training is always incredible and he's really appreciated by all of us," adding: "Everyone here is ready to play in the first team, otherwise he wouldn't be here.
"He knows we want him, but after that it's down to his agent and himself. We will do absolutely everything to keep him with us - afterwards he decides. We want him, but at the end it doesn't depend on us.". Diaz made just six appearances in his maiden season for Real Madrid before spending three years on loan with AC Milan. With the Rossoneri, Diaz scored 18 goals in 124 matches before returning to the Bernabeu for the 2023/24 campaign. He also signed a contract extension with Los Blancos, which will see him remain in the Spanish capital until the summer of 2027.
And while he has played 46 league games since making his way back to Madrid, it appears as though Liverpool are plotting to bring him back to the Premier League. As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Diaz has been unable to make himself a part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans - given the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick and Arda Guler all vying for places.
