Luis Díaz is edging closer to a move away from Liverpool, with multiple reports claiming Bayern Munich are close to completing a £65.5million deal for the Colombian winger.
Díaz was left out of Liverpool’s pre-season defeat to AC Milan on Saturday, and the speculation around his future has only grown since. Arne Slot addressed the situation after the match but refused to go into details.
“There’s a lot of rumours around him lately and I cannot go into that,” said Slot. “He’s training really well with us, but we’ve decided for now not to play him yet.”
The 28-year-old has travelled with the squad to Tokyo, but his absence from the pitch comes at a time when Bayern are pushing to get the deal done.
Fabrizio Romano, Florian Plettenberg and Paul Joyce have all reported that a full agreement is close, with only the final details and add-ons left to sort. The total package is expected to be worth €75million (£65.5m), and Díaz will sign a long-term contract until 2029 once the move is completed.
Bayern had an initial offer of €67.5m rejected earlier this month, but returned with an improved bid that has now brought them close to Liverpool’s asking price. The Reds had previously valued Díaz at closer to €100m but have softened their stance amid growing interest.
Barcelona and Saudi side Al-Nassr also made inquiries, but Bayern have moved fastest as they look to replace Leroy Sané, who has joined Galatasaray. They have also sold Mathys Tel to Tottenham, while Jamal Musiala is currently injured, and Thomas Müller has left the club.
Díaz was one of Liverpool’s best performers last season, scoring 13 Premier League goals as the Reds won the title by 10 points. But with new arrivals Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike coming in this summer, the attack is already evolving.
Wirtz made his first start against Milan as a false nine. Other signings like Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili also featured in the second half of the game.
Liverpool have spent close to £250m this summer, and the sale of Díaz would help balance that spend. The Reds have also explored a move for Alexander Isak, who is open to leaving Newcastle, although his price tag remains very high
