For €75 million
After a series of failed transfer attempts involving players such as Florian Wirtz, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola, and Nick Woltemade, Bayern Munich seemed to be in a tough spot this summer. For a while, it looked like Liverpool’s forward Luis Díaz could also be off the table. However, after a standout season at Liverpool under Arne Slot—following his transfer from Porto in 2022—market dynamics have shifted. Liverpool is now reportedly open to letting Díaz leave, with Transfermarkt indicating that both clubs have reached an agreement for a €75 million deal. The 28-year-old has already settled on terms with Bayern Munich and is expected to sign a contract that extends until 2029.
This transfer would rank as the third most expensive in Bayern’s history, following Harry Kane (€95 million) and Lucas Hernández (€80 million). Furthermore, it would also mark Liverpool’s third highest incoming transfer fee. This substantial amount could provide Liverpool the financial leverage they need to pursue their own transfer targets, including a move for Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt valued at €95 million. With this transaction, Liverpool’s total spending this summer could surpass €300 million, whereas they’ve only recouped €63.3 million on player sales.
Given this context, Liverpool sees Bayern as a strategic opportunity to generate revenue for ongoing market activities. The Reds have previously benefited from transactions with Bayern, notably when the German club acquired Sadio Mané for €32 million in 2022. After a challenging season where he managed only seven goals and five assists in 25 Bundesliga matches, Mané moved to Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr for €30 million the following summer. Now they aim to replicate this approach with Díaz.
Why is Bayern Munich so eager to sign Luis Díaz?
The deal for Mané serves as a cautionary tale for Bayern, especially as the club looks to rejuvenate its roster rather than add more players in their late 20s. If the transfer goes through, Díaz will become the 12th member of the squad aged 28 or older. Notably, aging attackers like Kingsley Coman (29), Serge Gnabry (30), and Kane (32) either are already in their 30s or will turn 30 this season. With several forwards nearing the end of their careers, Bayern should prioritize younger talent rather than invest heavily in a player who will turn 29 in January.
Reports from Bild suggest that Díaz will earn €14 million annually at Bayern, which is an increase from his current Liverpool salary. However, it won’t place him among the club’s top earners; he would fall between Alphonso Davies (€15 million) and Michael Olise (€13 million). The top earners at Bayern reportedly include Jamal Musiala (€25 million) and Kane (€24 million). Even though Díaz wouldn’t lead the pay scale, the overall cost of this transaction could still impact Bayern’s financial outlook.
Bayern’s urgency to secure Díaz stems from his recent impressive performance, making him an appealing addition. Last season, he had a standout domestic campaign with Liverpool, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists across 36 Premier League appearances. Under Slot’s guidance, Díaz has evolved into a more reliable and complete forward. Bayern needs to finalize a transfer to strengthen their left-wing position, having unsuccessfully pursued players like Wirtz, Williams, and Barcola. Furthermore, negotiations with Stuttgart for Woltemade have proven challenging and could stall. In the wake of Leroy Sané’s departure to Galatasaray, Coman stands as the only left winger currently available in the squad, underscoring the urgency for Bayern to add another player in that position.
