Luis Diaz has thrived since leaving Liverpool and could end the season as a treble winner with Bayern Munich - but the Reds decision to sell was part of the owner's financial model
Luis Diaz moved to Bayern Munich in the summer
Luis Diaz moved to Bayern Munich in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool opted to sell Luis Diaz in the summer and have since seen him thrive at Bayern Munich - but they felt their motives for letting him leave were well thought out.
The Colombian was an instant hit with the Reds when Jurgen Klopp signed him back in 2022, and he continued to produce on a regular basis, picking up a Premier League winners' medal in what would be his final season at Anfield.
Diaz scored 17 times last term, his best number to date in a Liverpool shirt, but was then the subject of mass transfer interest. Bayern eventually won the race for his signature, signing the 29-year-old for £67.5million. That allowed the Reds to bank a profit of £27m.
Liverpool were wise to the fact that Diaz, who felt he was deserving of a pay rise, had two years left on his deal and was becoming keen on the idea of pastures new. Despite his impressive output last term the Merseysiders had a choice: Keep a player and see his value drop or cash in.
They chose the latter and Diaz has since formed a sensational attack alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise, who have banged in 100 goals between them. Liverpool meanwhile have tailed off massively in just 12 months.
Despite Diaz aiding a Bayern season that could end with them winning the Champions League en route to a treble, Liverpool knew they were letting a player go who was still at the peak of his powers. The Telegraph report that the transfer was ultimately in line with Fenway Sport Group’s business model given the finances involved.
Those funds helped Liverpool add the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The latter is the only one to impress in his debut year, the other two have underwhelmed with both men costing around double the fee Diaz cost Bayern.
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrate with Premier League trophy
Luis Diaz won the Premier League in his final season with Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The Colombian has already come up with his best ever season in front of goal, scoring 26 times with several weeks of the campaign still to run. His stellar run, touch and finish to score against PSG last week showcased his quality.
Diaz has said on his move to the Allianz Arena: “I knew I would be joining an incredibly strong group of footballers and a club with excellent infrastructure and top-class training facilities. I had no doubts about that. The most difficult part for me and my family certainly was and still is the language… but I knew I would fit in very well here and that I would contribute my part to the team’s success – just as I did previously in Liverpool. FC Bayern placed their trust in me, and I am trying to repay that trust on the pitch.”
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