Arne Slot has just saved millions, he already has a Luis Diaz replacement

Arne Slot may have found the perfect solution to Luis Diaz’s exit – and it won’t cost Liverpool a penny.

Liverpool rounded off their pre-season preparations with a double header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on Monday.

The Reds recently returned from their Asia tour, having achieved mixed results against AC Milan and Yokohama FM, with a loss against the former and a comfortable win against the latter.

Bilbao travelled to Merseyside for two matches, giving Arne Slot the final opportunity to field two starting XIs and run the rule over his squad before facing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images

And despite spending over £250 million this summer, more signings are expected at Anfield after Luis Diaz completed a move to Bayern Munich. However, the Reds may already have a replacement waiting in the ranks.

Rio Ngumoha could replace Luis Diaz at Liverpool

Liverpool ended their Premier League-winning campaign with six attacking options, but with Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa expected to follow Diaz out the door, there is room for more depth. Step forward – Rio Ngumoha.

Slot undoubtedly rates Ngumoha highly, granting the youngster regular minutes throughout pre-season.

The 16-year-old has indeed rewarded the Dutchman’s faith in his ability, returning two goals and one assist in the fixtures that took place abroad, including a sensational solo strike against Yokohama FM.

On his return to England, he was also electric against Athletic Club, scoring once and getting an assist at Anfield.

According to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, increased exposure to the first team could see Slot give Ngumoha an opportunity this season and, in turn, save the Reds from what would be a costly endeavour to pry Rodrygo out of Madrid.

With Cody Gakpo set to start the new season as the starter on the left flank, Liverpool could gain inspiration from Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise at Barcelona and allow Ngumoha to realise his incredible potential as a first-team option.

Rio Ngumoha (24/25) FA Cup U18 Premier League Premier League 2 UEFA Youth League Appearances 1 9 9 4 Minutes 72 561 698 263 Goals 0 0 2 0 Assists 0 0 0 1 Ngumoha stats.

Jermaine Pennant believes Rio Ngumoha is ready for Liverpool

Ngumoha made waves last summer when he decided to cut ties with Chelsea and make the switch to Anfield.

He made his competitive debut in January, starting in the 4-0 win against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, but has since continued his development in the youth setup.

However, his potential has not gone unrecognised throughout the football world – ex-Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant believes Ngumoha has to be involved this season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Pennant said: “I think he has to be around the first team. People say age – there’s no age bracket anymore in football. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. You play.

“If you can handle the physicality of it, where these youngsters nowadays, some of them are units and they can, get them out there and play.

“It’s only going to benefit them (Liverpool).”

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