Luis Diaz Nearing Bayern Munich Switch as Liverpool Prepare for Life Without Star Winger

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz set to join Bayern Munich in major summer transfer twist

It’s not the way Liverpool fans would’ve envisioned their summer—watching one of their most dynamic attackers pack his bags just as a new era is beginning under Arne Slot. But that’s the reality now facing the Reds, with Colombian winger Luis Diaz reportedly on the verge of sealing a big-money move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Despite travelling to Tokyo for the next leg of Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia, Diaz’s involvement with the squad appears to be more symbolic than sporting. Left out of the squad entirely for their opening friendly against AC Milan in Bangkok—a match Liverpool won 2-1 thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai—Diaz’s absence raised more than a few eyebrows. Now, those raised eyebrows have turned into resigned nods as the reasons behind his omission have become clearer.

Bayern Munich close in on Diaz with Liverpool ready to accept under €80m

Luis Diaz Liverpool 2025

It had been suggested earlier in the summer that Liverpool would only entertain offers north of €80 million for Diaz. But with weeks of negotiations and the player’s own camp open to a move, the Reds have reportedly softened their stance. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal worth slightly less than that initial valuation—likely in the €70–75 million range—and Liverpool are prepared to accept.

The fact that Diaz has still travelled with the team to Tokyo, where Liverpool face Yokohama F. Marinos on July 30, adds an intriguing wrinkle. But sources close to the club suggest this is more about professionalism and protocol than preparation. As of now, Diaz is not expected to feature again in pre-season.

For manager Arne Slot, it’s another curveball in what has already been a whirlwind start to life at Anfield. Slot has taken over from the legendary Jürgen Klopp and was tasked with ushering in a new phase of evolution for a club that has consistently competed at the top for the better part of a decade. But losing a player of Diaz’s calibre so early in the process is far from ideal.

Diaz’s time at Liverpool: flashes of brilliance, moments of magic

Preston North End v Liverpool – Pre-Season Friendly

When Diaz first arrived at Anfield in January 2022, there was an electric buzz around him. Signed from Porto for a fee of around £37 million, the Colombian hit the ground running, dazzling with his pace, close control, and fearlessness on the ball. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s pursuit of a historic quadruple during the 2021–22 season, scoring important goals and adding depth to a forward line that already featured Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.

But injuries and inconsistency have plagued his time on Merseyside since then. A serious knee injury in the 2022–23 campaign kept him sidelined for months, disrupting his rhythm and reducing his impact. Still, when fully fit, Diaz remained a threat—one of the few players capable of creating something from nothing.

Now 27, Diaz is likely looking for a fresh start—and Bayern, who are in the process of reshaping their attack under new manager Vincent Kompany, may offer just that. With Leroy Sané potentially leaving and Serge Gnabry enduring an inconsistent spell, the German champions have identified Diaz as a prime target to inject fresh dynamism into their flanks.

What next for Liverpool after Diaz?

Letting go of Diaz will sting, but Liverpool will also see this as an opportunity. The funds generated from the transfer could help finance moves for a new winger or midfielder, areas Slot is said to be keen on reinforcing. The club has already been linked with the likes of Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) and Nico Williams (Athletic Club), both of whom would fit Liverpool’s high-intensity style.

It also opens the door for younger talent within the squad. Ben Doak, for example, has impressed in pre-season and could be handed more responsibility in the coming months. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota offer versatility in wide areas, and Mohamed Salah continues to be the figurehead of the attack.

Slot, speaking after the Milan game, offered no direct comment on Diaz’s future, but he did allude to the reality of modern football. “Transfers are part of the game,” he said. “Every club goes through changes. What’s important is that we remain focused and build something special with the players who are here.”

Bayern’s perspective: a shrewd move for a high-ceiling winger

From Bayern’s point of view, securing Luis Diaz for under €80 million could prove to be a steal in the current market. In a summer where clubs are paying well over the odds for wide attackers, Diaz offers proven European pedigree, international experience, and a game-changing presence.

Kompany, who is known for building energetic and tactically disciplined teams, would surely relish working with a player like Diaz. It’s also a signal of Bayern’s intent to bounce back after a relatively disappointing 2024–25 season, which saw them lose their Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen and fall short in the Champions League.

Diaz’s agent has remained tight-lipped about the potential move, but sources suggest that personal terms will not be a stumbling block, with the winger said to be enthusiastic about the idea of playing in Germany.

Farewell on the horizon: fans bracing for goodbye

Liverpool supporters, understandably, are feeling mixed emotions. While some accept the logic of cashing in on Diaz to help fund a broader rebuild, others feel frustrated at seeing another key player leave so soon after Klopp’s departure.

But if this is indeed the end of Luis Diaz’s Liverpool chapter, it’s a chapter that will be remembered fondly. The smiles, the samba footwork, the goals against Manchester United and Villarreal—Diaz brought joy to the Kop, even if fleeting at times.

Now, all signs point to Munich. Unless something drastic changes in the next few days, Luis Diaz will soon be pulling on the red of Bayern instead of the red of Liverpool.

And for Arne Slot, the job of reshaping Liverpool’s future continues—one transfer twist at a time.