Liverpool’s feelings on Luis Diaz transfer after crucial conversation and replacement call
Liverpool sanctioned Luis Diaz’s exit to Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window and considered bringing in a replacement, but ultimately decided against it
Luis Diaz moved to Bayern Munich in the summer(Image: Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images)
Liverpool chose not to replace Luis Diaz when he left Anfield this summer with the club keen to leave a pathway for youngster Rio Ngumoha.
The Colombian ace chose to call time on his spell with the Reds in the summer, joining Bayern Munich and leaving a notable void when he departed. Diaz had been a huge hit on Merseyside with his influence in the final third well noted – something he has taken with him to the German giants.
Liverpool spent heavily in the summer but the decision not to go after a direct replacement for Diaz, which has been cited as a mistake, was born out of a desire to ensure Ngumoha could have opportunities, reports The Times.
Diaz, who joined from Porto in 2022, was keen to leave Liverpool around 18 months ago and it was only after a hugely persuasive chat from club chief Richard Hughes that he chose to remain, but with his contract also winding down his exit became something they couldn’t avoid.
Liverpool managed to bank £65.5million for a player who was 28 – which the club saw as good business. The decision was then made to create a scenario where the 17-year-old Ngumoha, who they’d landed from Chelsea, could see a route into the first-team.
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The Reds did consider going after Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who scored 11 times in 41 outings for the French side last term, but the decision was ultimately made to look within the club for someone to fill the void left by Diaz.
The Colombian has continued to showcase his quality for a Bayern side that have won all but two of their games this season. In the Champions League Diaz scored twice to down European champions PSG in Paris, which are two of 11 goals he’s scored this term, making him the team’s second top scorer behind Harry Kane as they dominate the Bundesliga.
Rio Ngumoha scored a stoppage time winner at Newcastle back in August(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have struggled following their summer spree, which saw mass changes, particularly to their frontline. The Reds have lost nine of their last 12 but started the season impressively. Among their five-game winning streak was a 3-2 win at Newcastle, which included a dramatic stoppage time winner from Ngumoha.
Arne Slot said in the aftermath of that moment: “It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio can finish so well for his age. I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room that he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident! For his age, he is a really good finisher.”
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