Liverpool exit ranks third on club’s all-time sales list | OneFootball

Diaz Deal Amongst Liverpool’s Most Lucrative Sales

Diaz departure adds to Liverpool’s biggest sales legacy

Liverpool’s decision to sanction Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich for a fee of £65.5 million marks one of the most significant departures in the club’s modern history. The Colombian winger has agreed to join the German champions after an offer matching Liverpool’s valuation was tabled over the weekend.

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Diaz was a key contributor during the Reds’ 2024/25 Premier League-winning campaign and remained an integral part of Arne Slot’s early squad plans. Yet, with the player seeking a new challenge and Liverpool carefully managing their spending this summer, the sale presented a timely opportunity to capitalise on his value.

Acquired for £43 million from Porto in 2022, Diaz’s spell at Anfield has seen moments of brilliance, particularly under Jurgen Klopp. The profit Liverpool stand to make reinforces the club’s long-standing model of intelligent squad building and effective player trading. It also positions Diaz amongst the most valuable sales in Liverpool’s storied transfer history.

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Torres, Sterling and painful exits of the past

When assessing where Diaz’s move ranks, it is impossible to ignore the emotion and controversy that surrounded some of Liverpool’s most notable sales.

In 2015, Raheem Sterling’s departure to Manchester City for £49 million stirred anger amongst the fanbase. Then just 20 years old, Sterling had forced the move publicly, and many saw it as a betrayal. “Sterling infuriated Liverpool supporters by conducting interviews and publicly making it clear he wanted to join their Premier League title rivals.”

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While the business made sense on paper, with the fee considered strong at the time, it was difficult to detach it from the turbulent mood around Anfield during Brendan Rodgers’ final months in charge.

Further back, Fernando Torres’ £50 million move to Chelsea in January 2011 represented both a financial coup and a psychological blow. “Another case of Liverpool being seen as lesser than one of their English rivals, Torres’ move to Stamford Bridge still stings many supporters to this day.” The Spaniard’s departure, though softened by the then-British record fee, left many wondering what could have been.

Diaz ranks third amongst record-breaking sales

With his move to Bayern now agreed, Diaz enters the top three of Liverpool’s most expensive player sales. “So good is Liverpool’s business on the Diaz file that he slots in at number three in the all-time list.”

The deal is not without its critics in Germany, with some Bayern fans expressing scepticism about the price tag. However, Diaz is at the peak of his career, and Liverpool have every reason to be satisfied with the return on their original investment.

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Crucially, Diaz departs Anfield with gratitude and support from fans. “Unlike either Sterling or Torres, Diaz also leaves Liverpool with the best wishes of supporters. Hopefully he can justify his price at Bayern.”

His time in red may have ended sooner than many expected, but the financial structure and mutual respect involved make this a defining piece of business.

Suarez and Coutinho remain untouchable at the top

Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho continue to dominate Liverpool’s sales table. Suarez’s £75 million switch to Barcelona in 2014 came after a stunning season. “The Uruguayan was arguably the best player in world football at the time,” and his move benefitted both clubs. Barcelona gained a Champions League-winning forward, while Liverpool secured a top fee, albeit one that was poorly reinvested.

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Philippe Coutinho’s record-breaking £142 million move to Barcelona in 2018, however, stands alone. The Brazilian’s exit was driven by consistent excellence and prolonged interest. “Coutinho was in brilliant form at the time and having failed to secure him over the summer, Barca always knew they’d have to pay big on the Brazilian.”

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Barcelona’s gamble backfired dramatically. “It is likely that Coutinho will forever remain Liverpool’s most expensive sale, and the best piece of business the club will ever do.”

Club continues to thrive in market manoeuvres

Liverpool’s reputation for smart transfer dealings is again underlined by the Diaz sale. With funds likely to be redirected into key areas of the squad, supporters will trust the club to reinvest wisely. Elsewhere in the top ten, names like Fabinho, Sadio Mane, Xabi Alonso and Christian Benteke feature, each representing calculated decisions that rarely left Liverpool worse off.

With Diaz now amongst those highest-valued departures, Liverpool reaffirm their ability to sell at the right time and reinvest with intent.