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New Bayern Munich signing Luis Diaz is set to lose an ally in the Bundesliga champion's dressing room after his $88 million (£66 million) switch from Liverpool was confirmed.
Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha has acted as a translator for Diaz early on in his Bayern Munich career, with the pair both speaking English and Portuguese. However, the former Fulham star is set to return to the Premier League and is currently undertaking a medical with Tottenham.
According to BILD, Diaz and Palhinha were spotted together in training this week and had seemingly become close. The Colombian was also seen interacting with Leon Goretzka.
On Thursday, The Guardian reported that Spurs were closing in on a move for Palhinha. It is expected to be a loan, though there might be an obligation to purchase the 30-year-old.
Palinha would become Thomas Frank's sixth signing of the summer. Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai have all come in so far, though a couple of those were already at Spurs on loan last year.
"FC Bayern fit perfectly with my aims," Diaz said when the move was confirmed. "I wanted to move to a big, ambitious team — this club has incredible history. We want to win everything. My aim is to help the club and have success as quickly as possible."
During his unveiling in Munich, which was held on Thursday, Diaz added: "I spoke to Florian Wirtz and he told me that the Bundesliga is very intense, similar to the Premier League, that it was very physical, and the stadiums are always full.
"He also told me that Munich is a very nice city and that I'd enjoy it. He wished me luck, and I thank him for that."
Diaz will be missed by his former Liverpool teammates after he spent three and a half years on Merseyside. Mohamed Salah posted a heartfelt message on social media earlier today in which he made that perfectly clear.
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"Your energy, drive, and passion on the pitch have left a mark that won’t be forgotten," the Egyptian wrote. "We were truly lucky to have you at Liverpool, and it’s been an honour to share part of your journey and success story.
"As a teammate, you were more than reliable — you were inspiring. As a friend, even more so. We all saw the strength it took to keep going through the tough times off the pitch.
"What you went through would’ve broken most, but you came back strong and gave everything for the club. That kind of resilience sets an example for others and earns nothing but respect. Wishing you all the best for what’s next, Lucho."
Liverpool.com says: Diaz should be a success in Germany but the fee that the Reds got for him was a good one. The move should work out nicely for all parties.
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