2 weeks ago
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Luis Diaz may have first requested a transfer from Liverpool a year ago, but it turns out he's in no rush to leave now.
The Colombian is on the verge of completing a move to Bayern Munich after the Reds agreed a $88 million (£66M) deal with the German champions on Sunday. He was given permission to leave the club's preseason camp in Japan on the same day, but was spotted still with the Liverpool squad at a Japanese temple on Monday.
Arne Slot and his players visited the Ekoin Temple in Tokyo a day after arriving from Hong Kong, on the second leg of their summer tour of Asia.
The players enjoyed a guided meditation from a Japanese monk, with Liverpool releasing photos of the trip on its official platforms.
Diaz was spotted in a group image, although he is expected to fly to Munich soon to complete a medical with Bayern.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Diaz will depart later on Monday and will undergo his tests in Bavaria on Tuesday. He is reportedly set to sign a four-year deal with Bayern.
Liverpool sanctioned Diaz's exit after the club failed to strike an agreement on a contract extension. The ex-Porto man had two years remaining on his current terms and, despite twice beginning negotiations, Diaz and the club couldn't find a solution.
His exit will leave the Reds light on options out wide. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are the only senior options currently on tour, although youngster Rio Ngumoha could have a role to play next term.
Others such as Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz can operate on the wings if required, while Federico Chiesa is expected to depart this summer.
Diaz played 50 games for Liverpool last season, a tally only Salah bettered.
While Slot was reluctant to lose the player, the Reds felt the opportunity to cash in on a 28-year-old who had two years remaining on his contract was an opportunity it couldn't turn down.
He could be a Bayern player by the time Liverpool is next in action - on Wednesday against Yokohama F. Marinos.
The Reds face the Japanese side before flying back to the UK to step up their preseason plans again.
Liverpool faces Athletic Bilbao in a double-headed friendly at Anfield next Monday, six days before the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
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