Luis Díaz Set to Leave Liverpool

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Luis Díaz’s Liverpool journey is drawing to a close. The Colombian forward is set to join Bayern Munich in a €75 million move, ending a three-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield that brought both flair and frustration — and, ultimately, silverware.

Signs of a departure had been visible for months. A heartfelt social media post by his now-wife Gera Ponce following Liverpool’s title win in May read like a farewell. The family’s celebration in front of the Kop, wrapped in Colombian flags, now marks a closing chapter.

Since arriving from Porto in January 2022, Díaz made 148 appearances and scored 41 goals, becoming a fan favourite for his directness, tenacity, and infectious energy. His Liverpool career began brightly, with an assist 10 minutes into his debut and an immediate place in a reshuffled attack that saw Sadio Mané move centrally to accommodate him on the left.

He played all three domestic finals in his debut half-season, contributing to Liverpool’s League Cup and FA Cup wins, though the team fell short in both the Premier League and Champions League. A serious knee injury disrupted his second campaign, but he returned to help win another Carabao Cup in 2024 and played a key role in the club’s run to the Premier League title last season.

Off the pitch, Díaz’s family endured trauma when his father was kidnapped and held hostage for 12 days in Colombia — a moment that united the club and country in support.

Under new head coach Arne Slot, Díaz’s role evolved. Slot deployed him more centrally, at times as a false nine, and the approach yielded his most productive season yet: 17 goals in all competitions, including a Champions League hat-trick and key contributions in wins over Spurs, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.

Still, Liverpool’s willingness to part ways reflects several underlying factors. Díaz rejected two contract extension offers, and with just two years left on his deal and interest mounting from Europe’s elite, Liverpool saw the logic in selling now rather than risk losing value later. Bayern’s improved offer — rising from €67.5m to €75m — ultimately shifted the club’s stance.

The transfer has proceeded smoothly, with Díaz training throughout Liverpool’s Asia tour before being granted permission to finalise the move. The departure is amicable on both sides.

From Liverpool’s perspective, left-sided depth played a role in the decision. Cody Gakpo, who scored 18 times last season, is seen as a natural successor, while new signing Hugo Ekitike can also operate from the flank. The emergence of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a standout in pre-season, has further reinforced belief in the next generation.

Díaz may not have matched the lasting impact of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, or Roberto Firmino, but his contribution was significant. He departs a title winner, a well-liked figure in the dressing room, and a player who always gave his all — even when consistency eluded him.

Now 28, he leaves for a new challenge and a more lucrative contract in Germany. His time at Liverpool may not have defined an era, but it helped shape one. If he returns to Anfield in Bayern colours, the reception will likely be warm, and richly deserved.