Liverpool are set to make a big-money sale after agreeing to let Luis Diaz join Bayern Munich.
Diaz was one of the Reds’ key players in the Premier League last season, with only Mohamed Salah scoring more than his 13 goals.
But after contract talks seemingly broke down with Liverpool, the Colombian made it clear that he wanted to try something new.
As a result, Liverpool are in the process of selling Diaz for around £65.5m. It represents a good profit for the Reds on a player who, at 28, may have his best days behind him.
Bayern fans have not been happy with the fee paid for Diaz, but given he had several other suitors lurking around, the German champions were always going to have to pay a premium.
One of those desperately trying to rival Bayern for Diaz was Barcelona, and the Catalans reportedly made a late effort to try and win the bidding.
Barcelona couldn’t match Bayern Munich offer for Luis Diaz
Barcelona have been linked with Diaz throughout the past 12 months. It has been clear that the player would be open to the move for a while, but the truth is that Barca couldn’t afford him.
In the end, the La Liga giants chose to bring Marcus Rashford in on loan from Manchester United.
But in the days prior to finalising a move for Rashford, journalist Fabrizio Romano says Barca approached Liverpool once again to make a last attempt at Diaz.
“Barcelona spoke three times to the agents of Luis Diaz before signing Marcus Rashford,” Romano told his YouTube channel on Sunday.
“In the week before they tried to approach Liverpool again as they did in June. In this case they told the agents of Diaz that they wanted to offer 60 million Euros, that was the limit and they were prepared to make this proposal.
“The answer from Liverpool was, ‘thanks, but no, we want more than this.’ And at the end Richard Hughes has been able to close the deal for 75 million Euros.”
Liverpool turn attention to Darwin Nunez sale
Liverpool were right to turn Barca down for Diaz. Had they been alone in their interest, things may have been different. But with Bayern willing to pay what the Reds were demanding, why would they sell for less?
Perhaps Hansi Flick’s team were banking on the fact that Diaz has reportedly dreamt of playing for Barca since he was a child.
But in the cold light of day, that should mean little to nothing to Liverpool. Either pay up, or he’s going elsewhere.
And having secured what they wanted for Diaz, the challenge for the Reds is now to do the same with Darwin Nunez.
Nunez’s sale may be slightly trickier, but with teams in Saudi Arabia still interested, you wouldn’t bet against Hughes getting his asking price.
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