Liverpool have agreed to a £65.5m deal to sell their talismanic winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, marking the end of a vibrant three-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield. The Colombian, who lit up the Premier League with his infectious energy and direct style, is set to embark on a new chapter in the Bundesliga, leaving Liverpool to navigate a transitional phase under Arne Slot.
This move, confirmed on July 30, 2025, not only reshapes Liverpool’s attacking dynamics but also hands Bayern a versatile weapon as they aim to reclaim domestic and European dominance.
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37.5m, became an instant fan favourite with his relentless work rate and flair. His 148 appearances yielded 41 goals and 23 assists, with his 2024-25 season—where he scored 13 Premier League goals—proving pivotal in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under Slot.
However, with two years left on his contract and failed negotiations over an extension, Diaz’s desire for a fresh challenge became undeniable. “Lucho is training really well, but there are a lot of rumours around him lately,” Slot said during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia, where Diaz was notably absent from a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan. “We’ve decided he’s not playing at the moment in the games, and I cannot comment much more than that.”
For Liverpool, Diaz’s exit is a calculated move. The £65.5m fee represents a significant profit, aligning with Fenway Sports Group’s strategy to avoid losing players on free transfers, as seen with Roberto Firmino and Gini Wijnaldum in recent years. The funds are already earmarked for a potential blockbuster move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with reports suggesting Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to secure the Swedish striker.
The arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m further cushions the blow, with the versatile Frenchman seen as a direct replacement capable of playing across the front line. “Hugo wasn’t ready to play yet, but he’s the kind of forward who can adapt to multiple roles,” Slot noted, hinting at a fluid attacking setup that could also feature Cody Gakpo and teenage prodigy Rio Ngumoha.
Diaz’s departure, while bittersweet, fits Liverpool’s broader squad refresh. The club has already spent heavily this summer, with signings like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong bolstering their ranks. However, losing a player of Diaz’s calibre—described by former captain Jamie Carragher as “one of the best left wingers in the Premier League”—raises questions about Liverpool’s attacking depth.
Carragher, speaking earlier this season, had mused, “I think Liverpool supporters are still thinking we haven’t quite replaced Sadio Mane, but Diaz has been exceptional.” His exit, coupled with potential departures like Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, signals a bold restructuring under Slot, who appears unfazed by the challenge of reshaping a title-winning squad.
For Bayern Munich, Diaz’s arrival is a coup. After missing out on targets like Wirtz and Nico Williams, the Bundesliga giants have secured a proven winger to fill the void left by Leroy Sané’s move to Galatasaray. Diaz’s versatility—evident in his ability to play as a false nine or across the wings—makes him an ideal fit for Vincent Kompany’s high-octane system.
His 17 goals in all competitions last season underscore his lethal edge, while his tenacity off the ball aligns with Bayern’s pressing philosophy. “Diaz is a forward who can play different roles across the front line,” a Bayern source told reporters, highlighting the club’s admiration for his adaptability. With a four-year contract reportedly in place, Diaz is set to command a significantly higher salary than at Liverpool, reflecting his status as Bayern’s third-most expensive signing ever.
The move also carries personal significance for Diaz, who married his long-term partner Gera Ponce in Colombia last month. Ponce’s emotional social media post at the end of last season—“Thank you for so much love, for making us feel at home”—hinted at an impending departure.
Now, the couple will start anew in Munich, where Diaz is expected to form a dynamic attacking trio alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise. His ability to “bamboozle defenders,” as Jurgen Klopp once described, will be crucial as Bayern aim to challenge for the Bundesliga and Champions League.