Liverpool to Open Talks Over £70m Deal for Forward – Report | OneFootball

Bayern Munich Intensify Pursuit of Luis Diaz as Liverpool Stand Firm

Bayern Munich have re-engaged with Liverpool over the potential signing of Luis Diaz, as reported by The Athletic. Having seen an earlier offer of €67.5million (£58.6m) rejected, the German champions are now in continued discussions with the Merseyside club, signalling their ongoing desire to land the Colombian international.

Although no second bid has been tabled yet, Bayern’s interest is far from waning. According to The Athletic, Diaz “has made it clear that he wants to leave the Anfield club”, a stance that will no doubt add pressure to Liverpool’s hierarchy during the latter part of the transfer window.

Diaz remains under contract until the summer of 2027 and continues to train with the squad, currently on tour in Hong Kong. However, his absence from recent pre-season fixtures against Preston North End and Stoke City raises questions over his short-term future.

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Bayern’s Summer Search for a Forward

Bayern’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer has been well documented. Their failed attempts to sign Florian Wirtz and Nico Williams, both of whom opted for Liverpool and Athletic Club respectively, have intensified their search for a wide forward.

Diaz has emerged as a primary target due to his flexibility across the front line. Bayern view him as a dynamic option who brings creativity, directness and an aggressive attacking profile. His output since joining Liverpool supports that view: 41 goals and 23 assists in 148 appearances is a strong return for a player often asked to perform various tactical roles.

Luis Diaz’s Rise at Liverpool

Signed from Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37.5m fee (rising to £50m with add-ons), Diaz quickly established himself as a fan favourite. His aggressive style and fearless ball-carrying suited the high-intensity demands at Anfield. Over the last three seasons, his contribution has grown, culminating in a key role during Arne Slot’s remarkable debut campaign that saw Liverpool reclaim the Premier League title.

Diaz’s 13 goals in 36 league appearances last season were critical in Liverpool’s run-in. His ability to carry the ball through tight spaces and apply pressure off the ball aligned perfectly with Slot’s evolving tactical approach.

Liverpool’s Response Remains Resolute

Despite Diaz’s desire to leave, Liverpool are under no financial or contractual pressure to sell. With his deal running until 2027 and Slot known to value his tactical flexibility, any potential exit would need to represent significant value.

Whether Bayern’s next bid will meet that threshold remains to be seen, but regular dialogue between the clubs suggests a deal is far from dead. The next fortnight could be decisive, particularly as Liverpool begin their preparations for the Community Shield and the start of the new Premier League campaign.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report from The Athletic will leave many uneasy. Luis Diaz has not only improved season by season, but under Arne Slot he has flourished into one of the side’s most dependable performers. With 13 league goals and a reputation for turning up in big moments, he played a massive role in returning the title to Anfield.

Fans may be surprised at the clarity of Diaz’s intention to leave. If those reports are accurate, it begs the question: why now, after a title-winning season and with Champions League football ahead?

There’s also the concern about replacing Diaz. Liverpool have talent in abundance, with the likes of Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa all capable of filling in, but none possess Diaz’s unique ability to shift momentum in a game single-handedly.

Slot’s system values positional interchange and pressing intensity. Losing a player like Diaz would affect the left-sided balance of the team. While Bayern’s offer may rise, many fans would hope Liverpool hold firm or secure a replacement of similar calibre before sanctioning any sale.

This feels like a potential sliding doors moment. If Diaz departs, it must be on Liverpool’s terms, not as a reactive decision driven by player pressure.