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Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has left the club's pre-season camp in Japan as he prepares to complete a £65.6 million transfer to Bayern Munich. Diaz, who was absent from Liverpool's pre-season loss to AC Milan, is expected to travel to Munich imminently to undergo a medical and finalize his contract with the Bundesliga giants. This move concludes a transfer deal initially reported as £65.5 million but later clarified by German outlet BILD to be a flat £58.6 million with potential bonuses up to £6.5 million. Liverpool originally paid around £42.5 million for Diaz, who helped the club secure their 20th Premier League title before pushing for a move to Bayern.[1][2]

The Colombian star, who has two years remaining on his contract, expressed a desire for a new challenge, first signaling his intent to leave in 2024. Contract extension talks fell through as Liverpool and Diaz could not agree on terms, with Diaz seeking a salary that Liverpool were unwilling to match. Despite this, Diaz’s performance at Anfield was notable, including a career-best 17 goals last season when he was redeployed as a striker. However, his goal output is modest compared to other Liverpool forwards like Mohamed Salah. Bayern is expected to utilize Diaz primarily as a winger rather than a central striker.[2][3]

Liverpool sees Diaz’s departure as an opportunity to reinvest the sizable transfer fee into the squad. Following the £10 million sale of Trent Alexander-Arnold, funds are being prioritized towards high-profile targets such as Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who is also intent on leaving his club. Liverpool’s strategy this summer has involved securing several major signings, with Isak viewed as the final piece of their recruitment puzzle.[1]

Diaz’s move reflects Liverpool’s recognition that while he was an influential player, his best years may now be behind him, and that the club prefers to maintain long-term wage structure and squad dynamics. Bayern Munich hopes to benefit from Diaz's peak years, potentially prolonging his career in the Bundesliga's different style of play.[3]

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