8 hours ago
24
Liverpool does not want to sell its Colombian forward Luis Diaz this summer, though interest from Bayern Munich is not going anywhere.
Barcelona was also linked before it moved for Marcus Rashford. Bayern is searching for a winger to replace Leroy Sane, and Diaz is high on the German side's agenda. But with Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa both potentially moving on, Liverpool will not want too much churn in the final third.
With two years left on his contract, Liverpool wants to keep the player. However, no talks have been held over an extension, with Bayern Munich spotting a chance to turn Diaz's head.
According to Pipe Sierra, Diaz has asked Liverpool to accept an offer that Bayern Munich is supposedly set to table for him, unless it is prepared to extend his contract.
The German outlet BILD reported this week that Bayern was set to place a substantial bid for the forward. On Tuesday, it also claimed that the Bundesliga champion would be near double his salary.
If Diaz leaves, it would be for a big fee. At 28, getting more than Liverpool paid for the former FC Porto attacker could represent good business from a purely economic point of view.
However, losing Diaz, who was a key performer last season and an important part of Arne Slot's plans, would require a replacement coming in. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been linked as one option.
At the back end of last season, Barcelona sporting director Deco made some public comments about his admiration for Diaz. In a press conference, they were put to Slot.
"Every club has its own way of doing things," he said. "You are used to the fact that I don't talk about players from other clubs that we haven't signed.
"I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz — because I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player, having a great season. He [Deco] admires a few players, which we all do. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a lot as well!"
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Liverpool has already signed Florian Wirtz for its attack this summer and is closing in on a move for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Nunez has drawn interest from Napoli, while there are various clubs thought to be keen on Chiesa.
If Liverpool were to lose all three players, it would need to make at least two signings to replace them. It also made an inquiry about Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak last week.
Liverpool.com says: Keeping Diaz makes sense. He had his best season in a Liverpool shirt last season and Slot got the best out of him in a couple of different positions.
However, extending his contract wouldn't be the right move. By the time his existing deal expires, he will be over 30. At that point, there is no guarantee that he will be at the same level, which is why an exit can't be definitively ruled out.
English (US) ·