Kenya, July 30 -- Liverpool have confirmed the transfer of Colombian winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for €75 million (£65.5m; $88m), a deal that sees the 28-year-old sign a contract until 2029 with the Bundesliga giants, per The Athletic. The "Luis Diaz's Bayern Munich transfer" marks the end of his three-and-a-half-year stint at Anfield, where he contributed 41 goals and 22 assists in 152 appearances, including 13 goals in the 2024-25 Premier League title-winning season.
Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, are set to reinvest the proceeds into new signings, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak and other targets in sight to bolster their attacking line for the 2025-26 campaign.
The €75 million deal, finalised after Bayern's initial €67.5 million bid was rejected, includes add-ons and reflects Liverpool's insistence on full market value for Diaz, who had two years left on his contract until 2027, per ESPN.
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for €49m, was granted permission to leave the Reds' pre-season tour in Tokyo for a medical in Munich, set to be completed within 24 hours.
Sky Sports reported that Bayern's persistence, driven by Diaz's desire to join, secured the agreement after failed contract extension talks with Liverpool in 2024. The transfer yields a profit of approximately €26 million for Liverpool, fueling their summer spending.
Diaz's decision to pursue "Luis Diaz's Bayern Munich transfer" stems from his ambition to play in the Bundesliga, having signalled his intent to leave Anfield in 2024, per ESPN. Despite interest from Barcelona and Saudi clubs, Bayern's €14 14m-per-year salary offer and four-year contract until 2029, with an option for an additional year, proved decisive, per Forbes.
Bayern, missing out on targets like Florian Wirtz (who joined Liverpool) and Nico Williams, valued Diaz's versatility across the front line, as noted by The Athletic. His 17 goals and seven assists in 50 appearances last season, including a key role in Liverpool's title run, made him a prime target for Vincent Kompany's squad.
Liverpool's transfer strategy under Arne Slot is in full swing, with the €75 million from Diaz's sale adding to over €60 million from earlier departures of Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Nathaniel Phillips.
The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, with the latter costing £69m, and are targeting Newcastle's Alexander Isak, valued at £150m, to replace Diaz and potentially Darwin Nunez, who is also linked with a move.
BBC Sport noted Liverpool's interest in reinforcing their attack, with Diaz's exit, prompted by his absence from a 4-2 pre-season loss to AC Milan due to transfer talks, enabling further investment.
The transfer has sparked mixed reactions on X, with Liverpool fans expressing disappointment but understanding the financial upside. One user posted, "Luis Diaz's Bayern Munich transfer hurts, but €75m for a 28-year-old is smart business."
Others praised his work rate, noting his 22 final-third possession wins, a team high, per BBC Sport. In Kenya, where Liverpool's fanbase thrives, The Star reported fans debating the move, with betting platforms like SportyBet offering odds on Liverpool's next signings.
Pundit Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports in May, had suggested Diaz's sale could fund a new forward, given his failure to fully replace Sadio Mane's impact.
Bayern's acquisition of Diaz fills the void left by Leroy Sane's departure to Galatasaray, per Forbes. His 52 dribbles and 56 chances created in the 2024-25 Premier League season align with Kompany's high-pressing system.
However, Bavarian Football Works questioned the €75m fee for a player nearing his prime, citing Bayern's own young talent, Paul Wanner, as a potential alternative. Despite this, Diaz's proven goal-scoring and versatility make him a valuable addition for Bayern's Bundesliga title push, with his medical set to finalise the move.
Liverpool faces the challenge of replacing Diaz's dynamic wing play, especially after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, commemorated with an Anfield sculpture, per The Guardian.
With Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott also considering exits, Slot's squad rebuild is critical. The Reds' €300m summer spending, including Wirtz and Ekitike, signals ambition, but the Isak pursuit remains uncertain.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.