Luis Diaz's Liverpool exit has been confirmed after the Colombia international completed a £65.5million move to Bayern Munich. The Reds find the transfer funds boosted as the winger signs a four-year deal with the Bundesliga champions.
Diaz, 28, left Liverpool's pre-season tour in Tokyo to travel to Munich earlier this week after the Merseyside club agreed to the transfer over the weekend. The Reds' stance had initially been that the player was not for sale this summer with two years remaining on his contract but the Premier League winners were convinced to part ways by the German side.
The Colombian said on his switch to the Allianz Arena: "It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern – it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my style of playing football and my personality."
The former Porto star makes his exit after three years at Anfield and was a key part of Arne Slot's title-winning side last season. But the Reds have since signed Florian Wirtz in a record deal and Hugo Ekitike, as the Dutchman replenishes his team in preparation of the new season.
Diaz has long been linked with a move away with Bayern joined by Barcelona in holding an interest in the attacker. Liverpool twice attempted to sign him to a new contract but the differences in salary demands and expectations were too much.
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The club confirmed his exit and said: "The Colombian departs the Reds having played a significant role in the lifting of four major trophies since arriving from FC Porto in early 2022, highlighted by Premier League title glory last term."
The Reds also added: "Diaz now embarks on another chapter in his career with the completion of a permanent transfer to the Bundesliga with Bayern. Everybody at Liverpool FC thanks Luis for all of his contributions during his time at the club and wishes him the best for the future."
Ekitike will be seen as a ready-made replacement for the attacker, give his versatility across the frontline. The Frenchman could yet flourish on the left or leading Liverpool's frontline. Diaz's exit could yet fund a move for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. Liverpool registered their interest in the player and noted they would be willing to pay £120m for the Sweden international only to be told he is not for sale.
Since then however, Isak has asked to explore his options away from St James' Park despite being under contract until 2028. It could take £150m for a deal to be sanctioned and Eddie Howe is not certain he will retain the services of his star striker.
"He is still our player," said the Newcastle boss. "He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control."
Howe said last week: "There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board."
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