Luis Diaz’s absence from Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan has sparked intense speculation about his future, with head coach Arne Slot confirming that the Colombian winger was left out of the squad due to ongoing transfer rumours—most notably a potential move to Bayern Munich.
The 27-year-old, who has been a key figure for Liverpool since joining from FC Porto in January 2022, was notably missing as the Reds played out a 1-1 draw with Milan during their summer tour. While some initially speculated an injury, Slot clarified after the match that Diaz was not hurt but had been omitted as a precaution amid the growing uncertainty over his future.
“There’s a lot of rumours around him,” Slot told reporters. “We felt it was better to let him sit this one out. These things can be unsettling for a player, and we want to handle the situation with care.”
Bayern Turn Up the Heat
Bayern Munich’s interest in Diaz has escalated over the past week, with reports suggesting the Bundesliga giants have identified him as a primary target to reinforce their flanks. With Kingsley Coman’s persistent injury problems and Leroy Sane entering the final year of his contract, Bayern are believed to be actively pursuing a dynamic wide option—someone who can stretch defenses and add a direct threat in attack.
Diaz ticks all those boxes. His pace, dribbling ability, and work rate have made him one of Liverpool’s most exciting attackers, particularly in the wake of Sadio Mane’s departure. The Colombian scored 13 goals and registered five assists last season, despite Liverpool’s overall inconsistency under then-manager Jürgen Klopp.
According to sources close to the situation, Bayern are preparing a formal offer which could include a player-plus-cash arrangement or a structured deal with performance-related add-ons. The German side is reportedly hoping to negotiate a lower fee than Liverpool’s valuation, which is believed to be in the region of £70–75 million.
Liverpool’s Dilemma
For new boss Arne Slot, who officially took charge following Klopp’s departure, the Diaz situation presents an early test of his tenure. While Liverpool have bolstered their midfield in recent windows, the departure of a top forward like Diaz would force the club to act quickly in the market.
The Reds have been linked with a few attacking reinforcements, including PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but nothing concrete has materialized yet. Slot was cautious when discussing any potential departures or replacements, but made it clear that the club is not desperate to sell.
“Luis is a top player, and we value him very highly,” Slot said. “There’s no pressure to make a decision quickly. The most important thing is to do what’s right for the team and for the player.”
Player’s Perspective
Diaz, who has kept a low profile amid the speculation, is thought to be open to exploring a move to Bayern, especially with the prospect of competing for titles in Germany and the UEFA Champions League under new manager Vincent Kompany. While he has not publicly commented on the matter, those close to him say he remains respectful toward Liverpool and grateful for the opportunity he’s had at Anfield.
Nevertheless, the prospect of playing alongside elite talent like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala in a team with consistent domestic dominance could prove tempting.
What Comes Next?
Liverpool’s pre-season continues with two more friendlies before the start of the Premier League season, and the Diaz situation will need to be resolved soon to avoid distractions. If a deal does materialize, the Reds will need to act swiftly to bring in a replacement capable of making an immediate impact.
Fans, meanwhile, are divided. Some believe the club should cash in and reinvest in younger, more versatile forwards. Others argue Diaz’s best years are still ahead and letting him go would weaken Liverpool’s attack at a crucial time.
As of now, all eyes remain on Bayern Munich and Liverpool’s stance. Slot’s confirmation of Diaz’s absence due to transfer speculation has only poured fuel on the fire, and unless the club puts the rumors to rest or finalizes a deal, the saga looks set to dominate Liver
pool headlines in the coming weeks.
