Arne Slot confirmed that Colombian's absence in the friendly against Milan was due to open negotiations about his future.
Photo: EFE – Peter Powell
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Luis Díaz's absence in the first Asian preseason game in Liverpool did not go unnoticed. While the English team fell 4-2 against Milan in Hong Kong, the cameras looked for the Colombian, but was not even in the bank. After the game, coach Arne Slot cleared the doubts: The decision was technical, but motivated by open negotiations about their departure.
“Yes, Luis Díaz was left out today due to speculation about his future. There are many rumors in this regard and I will not enter that. He is training very well with us, but we have decided, for now, not play with him yet,” Slot said at a press conference. You don't have to read between the lines: the coach confirms what had been cooking for weeks. Díaz's departure could be underway.
“Yes (I have spoken with Díaz about it), but I usually talk to most of my players regularly. As I said, Lucho is training very well, but we have decided that it is better not to play right now and I can't comment much more,” Slot said.
Finally, they asked if Díaz wanted to leave: “I am not the person to ask.”
Bayern Munich, closer and closer
The Bavarian club has made Luis Díaz a priority. The last offer – which would approach the 85 million euros including bonds – seems to have inclined the balance. From Germany they assume that the agreement is about to close. It even ensures that the player himself has pushed to accelerate the operation.
Díaz would already have a personal agreement with Bayern: contract until 2029 and a salary of 14 million euros per year, more variables. Not only is it an economic jump, but also an opportunity to compete for large titles with figures like Harry Kane.
Liverpool does not rule it out, but it prepares
Although Díaz was summoned for the Asian tour, his exclusion against Milan makes it clear that the club is prepared for his departure. The season still does not begin, and the market is still open, but Slot's message is unequivocal: While your situation is not defined, it will not have minutes.
The next friendly Liverpool will be on July 30 against Yokohama Marino. Unless there is a last minute turn, everything indicates that the Colombian will stay out again. And that his future is painted red … but that of Munich.
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