Why Liverpool are ready to sell Diogo Jota

Liverpool are expected to make a major transfer happen with Diogo Jota this summer. Here's why.

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed this week that Liverpool are planning a major squad overhaul. Specifically, they're looking to change their forward line.

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Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are all on the chopping block. Mo Salah could leave, too, depending on the result of contract negotiations.

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You can find more on why Liverpool are willing to sell Darwin Nunez here.

But why Jota? Arguably Liverpool's best centre-forward, it is a surprise that the Reds are ready to move on.

So here's an explanation.

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Diogo Jota frustrations

Jota is a brilliant centre-forward when available. There aren't many like him in the Premier League and his goal record for Liverpool is absolutely fantastic.

When available.

The frustration with Jota is singular: he's not fit enough. The Portugal forward has produced many amazing moments in a Red shirt but the club just can't rely on him.

Anfield Watch understands that's the main frustration for Arne Slot. He wants to be able to play Jota regularly but simply can't.

Jota has played around 29 per cent of Liverpool's minutes in the Premier League this season. It's been a vaguely similar story for the last two seasons, too: Jota played 33 per cent of the minutes.

There was one bumper year in 2021/22 when Jota appeared in 35 Premier League matches, starting 27. That, however, was clearly an anomaly as the figure before that season was again 33 per cent.

It's simply not good enough for a player hoping to lead the line for Liverpool. Jota has become a complete luxury player, one who brings a surprise bonus on the rare occasions he plays.

Maybe Liverpool could make that work if the rest of their forward line was flawless. Instead, the Reds have doubts over Diaz and Nunez, too, albeit for different reasons.

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And with Jota's contract expiring in 2027, this would be the final summer for Liverpool to get full value for him. Wait a year and that value plummets with just one year remaining on his deal.

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