Luis Diaz has completed a permanent transfer to Bayern Munich in a move which should enable Liverpool to move for Alexander Isak.
The Colombian signed for the Reds from Porto in 2022, becoming a Premier League champion for the first time last season. He also picked up a brace of League Cup titles and won the FA Cup.
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Liverpool had rejected Bayern’s initial approach, reportedly worth £58.5m, but were wooed by the second, worth £65.5m including add-ons.
Diaz follows his former teammate Jarrell Quansah in moving to the Bundesliga this summer after he joined Bayer Leverkusen in early July.
The Reds have made a considerable profit with the deal after signing the player for just £37.5m. It marks the latest move in Arne Slot’s summer attacking overhaul, which has already seen Florian Wirtz signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a British-record deal. Forward Hugo Ekitike has also joined from Frankfurt.
The income from Diaz’s sale will now free Liverpool up to intensify their pursuit of Newcastle’s Isak, a move which, if completed, will break the transfer record they set earlier this summer.
Standard Sport reported last week that Isak had asked to skip Newcastle’s pre-season tour in order to explore a move away from St James’ Park amid swirling speculation from Liverpool.
The Anfield club are now preparing their first bid for the player, having already agreed personal terms.
The Swede, who hit 23 League goals last season, will sign a five-year deal should a move to Anfield.
Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of the striker, meaning a nine-figure offer will be required. Liverpool’s opening bid is expected to be around £100m, though reports claim the Geordies could hold out for a fee closer to £150m.
