Image Credits: Imago Images
Plenty of Reds fans are missing Luis Diaz this season, and it’s no surprise that the 29-year-old has continued to fire on at Bayern Munich this season.
Liverpool finally sanctioned Díaz’s exit in late July 2025 after prolonged interest from Bayern and Barcelona. The Bundesliga champions agreed a £65.5m (€75m) package, which represented full market value for a 28‑year‑old winger with two years left on his Anfield deal.
It was reported at the time that Bayern had an earlier bid of around €67m turned down before returning with the improved offer Liverpool were willing to accept. Díaz signed a four‑year contract running until the end of the 2028/29 season as he linked up with Vincent Kompany’s side in Munich.
From his first games it was clear why Bayern had bought a ready‑made star rather than a project player.
In the Bundesliga, he has registered nine goals and nine assists, averaging a direct goal contribution roughly every 75 minutes on the pitch. Overall league numbers of 13 goals and 10 assists highlight a player heavily involved in Bayern’s attacking play rather than just offering flashes of quality.
He has also carried that threat into Europe, scoring three goals and adding an assist across six Champions League outings.
However, it looks like Bayern are already looking to future-proof in Diaz’s position as well as to have a rotation option. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that FC Koln winger Said El Mala is attracting interest from both Brighton and Bayern Munich – with the latter seeing him as a back up for the ex-Liverpool man:
“Brighton are keeping Said El Mala as a dream summer target and have submitted a written offer for the 19 y/o winger in January. Brighton offered up to €30 million for the shooting star. Plus 10 % sell-on, after Sportbild
” Köln boss Thomas Kessler rejected, as El Mala is considered too important in their fight to avoid relegation. Contract until 2030; no release clause. Brighton remain keen on a move in the summer. FC Bayern still monitoring him as a potential back-up option for Luis Diaz.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß revealed this week that Liverpool played hardball in negotiations with the German champions over the Diaz deal:
“Yes. Luis Diaz’s agent, for instance, fought hard to get him from Liverpool, which was very difficult. He gave everything for his client and still always spoke fairly with Liverpool. We’re happy to pay someone like that,” he said.
🚨🆕 Brighton are keeping Said El Mala as a dream summer target and have submitted a written offer for the 19 y/o winger in January. Brighton offered up to €30 million for the shooting star. Plus 10 % sell-on, after Sportbild.
Köln boss Thomas Kessler rejected, as El Mala is… pic.twitter.com/ba14N2MZFD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 16, 2026
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