2 weeks ago
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Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been filmed arriving in Germany as he closes in on a move to Bayern Munich.
The English and German champions agreed a €75 million ($87M/£65M) transfer fee for the player last week, with Diaz departing the Liverpool camp in Japan on Monday to complete the move. The Colombian will undergo a medical and sign a contract before the deal is confirmed, and there could be further updates on Tuesday.
Sky Germany released footage of Diaz arriving in Munich, posing for pictures with supporters before driving off in a car, presumably with the 28-year-old heading to Bayern’s training ground.
Liverpool reluctantly allowed Diaz to leave the club after receiving what it felt was a fair market value for the player. His contract saga has been a long-running issue for Liverpool, with the club twice failing to agree on an extension with the attacker.
It’s understood that a middle ground could not be reached on personal terms, with Diaz also attracting interest from Barcelona and Al-Nassr this summer.
Liverpool denied Diaz’s request to leave last summer, and he played a vital role in the Reds securing a record-equalling 20th league title.
He played in 36 of the club’s 38 league matches last term, and made 50 appearances in all competitions - only Mohamed Salah managed a better tally.
Diaz’s ability to play across the front three was hugely valued by Arne Slot, who now lacks options in the wide areas. Salah and Cody Gakpo are the only senior wingers on tour, although youngster Rio Ngumoha is expected to play an increasingly prominent role this season.
Federico Chiesa, who didn’t travel with the squad to Asia, is will most likely move on before the window shuts on September 1.
The likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, and Harvey Elliott can play in the wide positions if required, but none are natural wingers.
Meanwhile, Diaz’s departure could accelerate Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak. The Reds enquired about the Newcastle United forward earlier this summer but did not submit an official bid.
With Isak not selected on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia and reportedly informing the Magpies of his desire to leave, Diaz’s exit could free up a spot in Slot’s attacking options.
Liverpool’s no.7 has made 148 appearances for the club in three and a half years, scoring 41 goals. He will follow Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jarrel Quansah as Liverpool’s senior departures this summer.
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