In just 3 and a half seasons in Anfield, Luis Diaz scored 41 goals and contributed 23 assists, becoming the second effective striker after Mo Salah. So why did Liverpool have to lose such an effective player?
Diaz expressed his desire to leave Liverpool in 2024. He wanted a new contract for a long time and at the age of 28, he knew that his value would never be higher.
However, there is always a significant distance between Diaz's wishes and what Liverpool is ready to propose. There have been twice trying to negotiate before this summer, both of them failed.
So, while Liverpool would not approve his departure last year – when Man City was seeking to recruit and also have attention from Saudi Arabia – Diaz's desire to leave. When it was clear that no new contract was signed this summer, that ambition became even stronger.
Diaz wants to leave never affects his performance. He did not miss any training sessions on the first stop of the Asian trip before the season in Hong Kong and his dedication and attitude were still in high standards as usual. But in the backstage, Diaz and his representatives prompted the deal.
The fact that Bayern pursued Diaz was the consequence of the fact that they were unable to sign a contract with Florian Wirtz. If the 22 -year -old Leverkusen agreed to move to the Allianz Arena, he was the most important contract of the Summer Gray Lobster. When Wirtz chose to join Liverpool, that made Bayern have a lot of budget.
Thomas Muller's contract was not extended this summer because he was about to turn 36 in September. Surprisingly, Leroy Sane chose to move to Galatasaray of Türkiye on the form of freely transfer instead of accepting the contract extension proposal. The demand is increasing, in a legitimate way, that Bayern is lacking in attacking positions and depends on the instability of Kingsley Coman on the left wing.
Many criticisms have been directed to Max Eberl, a member of the Board of Directors in charge of sports, who has been significantly under the media since the failure of Wirtz. Nico Williams chose to extend the contract with Athletic Bilbao instead of moving to the Bundesliga giant. A request was sent to PSG to Bradley Barcola but also failed. A late effort for Jamie Gittens did not go anywhere.
Finally, with Diaz, Bayern had the player they were looking for, but the process of ensuring his signature was difficult and had to pay very expensive. Initially, Barcelona was the most interested side this summer, but a request – by the DECO sports director – was bluntly rejected, with Liverpool's position, Diaz was not for sale and was an important part of Slot's plan for the next season.
“It is true that I also like Luis Diaz, a very comprehensive player,” said President Joan Laporta told Mundo Deportivo last week. “But due to his circumstances, with Liverpool very resolute, everything became complicated, although I was very grateful to the player who always wanted to come.”
Diaz's contract will have expired by 2027, but Liverpool is not interested in selling. If necessary, they would rather maximize the value on his pitch. Liverpool has applied a similar approach to Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, both of them signed a contract, despite the failure with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who came to Real Madrid.
Bayern's first requirement was handled similar to Barcelona. Eberl was informed at the end of June that Diaz was not for sale and was advised that a transfer was not worth pursuing. But – encouraged by Diaz – Bayern's willingness, and most recently on July 15 was rejected bluntly a offer worth 67.5 million euros.
But Liverpool's position gradually softened. Bayern's perseverance is a factor but that is not the only reason. Diaz is always dedicated to nearly 4 of his seasons in Liverpool and does not cause problems for the club or Slot, but also intends to leave, due to lack of progress in signing a new contract. When there is no actual chance to achieve a new agreement, selling at a reasonable price has become a priority choice.
Liverpool's success in the current transfer window also plays a role in changing their attitude. After Diogo Jota died on July 3, the club's transfer activity basically stopped when they prioritized supporting players and employees in commemorating their beloved colleagues. However, once it starts again, the development conditions that allow Diaz to leave are feasible and will not affect the strength of the squad.
Cody Gakpo and a new contract, Hugo Ekitike, can play on the left. Rio Queha, a 16 -year -old striker, made significant progress in the pre -season period. If there is more Alexander Isak from Newcastle, the depth of the squad and the attack options of Slot will also be significantly enhanced.
Although confirming Diaz is not for sale, Liverpool always has a set price for him. Their thoughts were shaped by the £ 80 million fee that Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal offered to Bruno Fernandes in June.
That fee, in the PSR era (profit and sustainable rule), will turn the selling player into a right move. And when it is clear that Bayern is willing to spend money, that has created goodwill and confidence that an agreement can be made.
When the negotiations resumed last week, both teams entered with the belief that an agreement, with a fee for everyone, is possible. That finally arrived on Sunday with the offer of Bayern's 70 million euros with 5 million euros to be accepted.
From the perspective of Liverpool, there is satisfaction to receive the second largest transfer fee in the club history, on par with Luis Suarez to Barcelona and only behind the sale of Philippe Coutinho worth £ 142 million for the Catalan Club in 2018. Remember, only 7 players over 28 years old have a higher fee.
