Three Liverpool players suffered international heartbreak this weekend with only Alexis Mac Allister managing to clasp his hands on a trophy out of the quartet competing in finals. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez both fell short in the Euro 2024 final as England fell to a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz saw his Colombia side narrowly defeated 1-0 by Mac Allister’s Argentina in the Copa America final, but only after extra time. While Alexander-Arnold and Gomez did not get onto the pitch, both Mac Allister and Diaz started for their respective nations amid what was a chaotic Copa America finale in Miami, with crowd trouble pre-game and a 25-minute half-time break.
Diaz crestfallen
Liverpool ace Diaz was understandably distraught to lose Colombia’s first continental final since they won the tournament in 2001. It has been a tough year for the player after his father was kidnapped – and then released – last year by his own countrymen from a nationalist group.
He was one of Colombia’s strongest attacking threats throughout the tournament and scored twice en route to the final. But despite his efforts, he ended up forlorn on the turf at the end of the match, teary-eyed having come so close to glory.
The 27-year-old is clearly passionate about representing his country despite the events of last Autumn. His return back to Liverpool for pre-season is expected to be delayed due to his participation in the tournament.
Second Gordon approach ‘unlikely’
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool could make plans to bolster their attack in the coming weeks but signalled that another move for Anthony Gordon is unlikely. He says the Reds are being put off by his price tag, having seen negotiations last month collapse.
He mooted: “Upfront, it depends on the opportunities. If there is an opportunity, why not?
“They believe Newcastle were asking too big a fee for Anthony Gordon, which is why the deal didn’t happen. But this is showing how Liverpool could be reactive and ready in case they feel there is an opportunity also upfront.”
Despite reports linking Diaz away from Anfield, it is thought that Liverpool are not fearing an exit. They would only consider a profit on the £50m they paid for him in January 2022 if any approach was made.