Bayern Munich has reignited its interest in signing Liverpool's Luis Diaz, as reported by Sky Sports News. The German giants have reportedly re-established contact with Liverpool over a potential transfer, following their earlier rejected bid of £58.5 million. Now, Bayern believes Diaz is keen to join the club, but Liverpool insists the 28-year-old is not for sale.
The situation took a turn during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against AC Milan, where Diaz was unexpectedly left out of the squad. According to manager Arne Slot, Diaz's absence was a direct result of the ongoing transfer speculation. Slot explained that the decision was not related to Diaz's form but rather the uncertainty surrounding his future. "Lucho [Diaz] couldn't play as well. There's a lot of rumours around him lately," Slot told LFC TV after the 4-2 defeat.
Slot further elaborated on Diaz's exclusion in his post-match press conference, saying, "In Lucho's situation, it was [the reason why he was left out]. He's training really well with us but we've decided for now not to play him yet." The manager reiterated that he maintains regular communication with his players but declined to delve into further details about Diaz's situation.
Liverpool's stance on Diaz remains firm: the club considers him a key asset, not only for the upcoming season but also for the final two years of his contract. This position has been communicated to all interested clubs, including Bayern Munich and Barcelona, which were also linked with Diaz this summer. Liverpool's internal valuation places Diaz at over £86 million (£100 million+), and the club has not set a sale price, indicating their unwillingness to negotiate.
Diaz's transfer saga has also drawn interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, a market that recently valued Bruno Fernandes—two years Diaz's senior—at around £86.8 million (£100 million). Despite the widespread interest, Diaz has remained a crucial first-team player for Liverpool, scoring 13 goals in 36 Premier League appearances last season as the club won the league title.
Opinions on Diaz's future have been divided, as highlighted by Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher. In May, Carragher stated: "It's an interesting one, where I think you could flip a coin with some people saying they'd love him to sign a new contract and some say it might be the time where you get good money for him because he's at a good age." Carragher acknowledged Diaz's exceptional form and versatility as reasons for his continued presence in the Liverpool lineup.
The transfer speculation surrounding Diaz has cast a shadow over his immediate future at Anfield. While Liverpool insists on retaining the Colombian winger, the persistent interest from top clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona poses a significant challenge. As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool will need to carefully navigate the situation to ensure Diaz's value is protected while maintaining stability in their squad.
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