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Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is closing in on a move to Bayern Munich as the Reds’ summer reshape continues.
The winger’s potential exit has dominated the window and has been the biggest story of the summer in terms of outgoings. Al Nassr and Barcelona have been keen on the Colombian, with the latter approaching Liverpool to sign Diaz before bringing in Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
But it’s now Bayern, who is pressing ahead with a deal to sign the 28-year-old. The German team is in need of offensive reinforcements following the summer departures of Thomas Muller, Mathys Tel, and Leroy Sane. That Jamal Musiala suffered a horror leg break during the Club World Cup further depleted Bayern’s options.
But Diaz will strengthen Vincent Kompany’s group, with Liverpool and Bayern close to agreeing a €75 million ($88M/£66M) transfer for the player.
The ex-Porto man flew to Tokyo with the Liverpool squad on Sunday, but he could soon depart.
Bayern first approached the Reds on July 2 about the possibility of signing Diaz. Liverpool immediately rejected the club’s interest, stating at the time that he was not for sale.
That was reiterated again last week when Bayern made an official first offer of €68M ($79M/£59M). At the time, Liverpool officials claimed a value of €100M ($117M/£87M) was a more realistic price point for the player.
But that view has softened in recent days - whether Alexander Isak's unexpected availability has played a part in that will become clear in the coming weeks - and Liverpool.com reported on Friday that Liverpool and Bayern were in negotiations over a possible transfer for Diaz.
A second bid was anticipated. It eventually came on Sunday, and while it’s not clear at this stage whether it has been accepted, a deal is close at hand.
Diaz’s contract situation is believed to be a major factor in the prevailing situation. The winger has not signed a new deal since his arrival in 2022, and was keen on penning an extension this summer.
The player publicly admitted that in May, when he revealed he expected talks to take place before the new season.
Yet they have not been forthcoming, and Liverpool’s stance all summer has been that it has no plans to discuss new terms with a player who made the second-most appearances in the squad last season.
Diaz addressed his future in June and revealed his representatives were in talks with other clubs.
He returned to training with the rest of the squad at the start of July and flew with the Reds to Hong Kong last Sunday. But Arne Slot opted against selecting him against AC Milan on Saturday due to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
That speculation looks set to end soon.
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