2 weeks ago
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What began as a minor transfer subplot last month regarding Luis Diaz's future has now evolved into the primary narrative at Liverpool, thanks to Bayern Munich's aggressive pursuit, which has taken another twist.
The Colombian had expressed glowing praise for his current club in May during an interview with South American outlet Telemundo, following the Premier League title triumph. His contentment at Anfield was so evident that he also voiced his desire to begin contract discussions to prolong his Merseyside tenure.
"From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team. We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (about the renewal)," Diaz said.
"For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League."
However, circumstances have shifted somewhere down the line. For Diaz, if perhaps not Liverpool. The 28-year-old feels promises have been broken regarding plans to present enhanced terms, and while he acknowledged during international duty in June that he would prefer to remain on Merseyside, where he has established roots with his partner Gera and their children, the absence of advancement on a fresh contract has irritated the winger to the extent that he was openly disclosing he was also in conversations with other clubs while on international duty last month.
He said: "We are currently in contact with Liverpool, because we are talking to clubs, and that's normal given the transfer market that's opening. We're trying to arrange what's best for us. We're talking to clubs, it's normal in the market, and we're looking at what's best for us.
"I'm waiting to see what happens. I'm very happy at Liverpool, I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well from day one. If they give us a good renewal or I stay there for two years, I'll be happy. Now it's up to them."
While Barcelona, according to one source, would represent "Lucho's dream," there has consistently been doubt at Anfield regarding the Spanish club's capacity to meet anything close to what would be necessary for decision makers to soften its current firm position that Diaz remains unavailable this summer.
Sporting director Deco, who maintains a friendship with Diaz's representative, has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for the player, but the club's now almost yearly financial struggles have led it to pursue a loan deal for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford instead, forcing the Reds star to explore other avenues for what he desires.
With two years left on his deal at 28 years old, Liverpool has consistently projected confidence, even when the winger delivered his finest season as a Reds player last term to help them secure the title. Diaz and his team believe that his stellar performances warrant a discussion about a more lucrative contract.
However, with 24 months left on his current deal and him turning 30 by its end, sporting director Richard Hughes doesn't see the need to rush negotiations. This is especially true considering the club's hefty wage bill.
This leaves Diaz in a tricky situation. Despite an impressive season where he scored 17 goals playing both as a left winger and striker, he can't negotiate a better contract nor move to another club due to offers falling short of his value at Anfield.
There's a lot of speculation online about Diaz's salary, but the rumored figure of £55,000-a-week ($73,900) was firmly denied by Anfield sources last season. It's believed that he earns around £140,000 per week ($188,100), which was the standard rate for key first-team members when he joined at the start of 2022.
The question of whether Diaz deserves a pay raise depends entirely on your perspective of his performance since joining Liverpool. Diaz certainly believes he's earned it, which has led to the current situation where Liverpool is in talks with Bayern.
Liverpool was initially puzzled by the rumors surrounding Diaz's future in early June. However, it's clear now that there was truth behind the speculation. His management team, led by Colombian agent Carlos van Strahlen and Portuguese advisor Raul Pais da Costa, have been quietly negotiating with Barcelona and now Bayern.
There are also reports of interest from Saudi Arabia. However, it's Bayern who is currently leading the race. Despite previous statements that there were no plans to sell the player, the decision to exclude him from Saturday's friendly match against AC Milan seems to be a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga.
"In Lucho's situation it was [linked to his future], yeah," Slot said after the game in Hong Kong. "There are a lot of rumours around it lately and I cannot go into that. But he is training really well with us and we have decided, for now, not to play him yet.
"Yes [I've spoken to Diaz] but I am used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. Like I said, Lucho is training really well but we've decided that he is best not playing at the moment in the games and I cannot comment much more than that. Does he want to leave? I am not the person to ask."
There has been no indication that the player has refused to perform, and he displayed his characteristic energy during Thursday's open training session at the Kai Tak Stadium. However, this is likely attributed to the inherent determination that defines how Diaz approaches the game, and it's becoming evident now that an exit from Anfield is the preferred result for the player and his representatives.
Liverpool, therefore, might now discover itself facing a decision or two. If there is an established price behind the scenes that will see the club consent to sell Diaz, then how is he substituted?
Alexander Isak, naturally, remains a target, but the Newcastle forward isn't exactly a direct replacement for the talented winger. With Diaz apparently sidelined until his future is sorted out, it seems more and more probable that these ongoing discussions with Bayern, which picked up pace this week, will ultimately result in the player achieving his desire to transfer to the Bundesliga.
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