Luis Diaz joins Bayern Munich from Liverpool on four‑year deal: major transfer lands Colombian star
FC Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Luis Diaz, the Colombian international attacker, from Liverpool FC, agreeing a four‑year contract that runs through summer 2029, in a deal reportedly worth around €75 million (≈ £65.5m) including add‑ons .
Díaz, aged 28, arrives in Munich having spent three and a half seasons at Liverpool, where he became a key figure in the Reds’ title‑winning 2024‑25 Premier League campaign. His arrival fills the gap left by the departures and injury setbacks of several attacking players at Bayern, including Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and the season‑ending injury to Jamal Musiala .
Transfer negotiations and motivations
Liverpool initially rebuffed Bayern’s opening bids of around €67.5 m and a later offer of €70 m, after which negotiations faltered due to Díaz’s reluctance to agree a contract extension beyond 2027 and his clear desire to leave Merseyside . Eventually, with Liverpool securing a high‑value investment in Hugo Ekitike (£95 m from Eintracht Frankfurt), their need to balance major summer spending (€290m on players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez) led them to accept Bayern’s final package near €75 m, structured with easily achievable bonuses .
Bayern reportedly offered Díaz €14 million gross per year, a substantial upgrade from the net £2.7m annual salary reported at Liverpool . From Liverpool’s perspective, the sale not only generates one of their top three ever transfer incomes but also unlocks funds to pursue Alexander Isak and other targets amid an aggressive recruitment strategy .
Player profile: balance of speed, versatility, ambition
Díaz first joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for an initial fee of around €45 m (with limited add‑on payments triggered) . Standing out with his electrifying pace, trickery and pressing ability, he impressed from the start: scoring six goals and delivering four assists in just 26 appearances in his debut half‑season. He contributed to two domestic cup wins and helped Liverpool reach the 2022 Champions League final .
Despite a serious knee injury in late 2022 that sidelined him for seven months and off‑field family turmoil the following winter, Díaz rebounded to enjoy his most prolific season in 2024‑25: 17 goals across all competitions, including memorable performances such as a second‑half hat‑trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League . That season, he featured extensively under coach Arne Slot and helped secure Liverpool’s 20th league title.
Sources close to Bayern view his adaptability as a key asset. Though primarily a left winger, Díaz has also played centrally as a striker, starting 15 Premier League games in that role last season . Manager Vincent Kompany, new to Bayern this summer, reportedly pushed for the signing, convinced by Díaz’s fit in a high‑press, fast‑transition system .
Risks and opportunity for Bayern
Signing Díaz represents both potential and risk for Bayern. At €75 m plus a hefty annual wage in his late twenties, the club is betting on his ability to perform at a high level across the duration of the four‑year contract. By the time it expires in 2029, Díaz will be 32—meaning resale value may be limited if form dips .
From a recruiting standpoint, Bayern pivoted to Díaz after missing targets such as Florian Wirtz, Nico Williams, and Bradley Barcola, making him effectively their fourth or fifth choice. Still, they moved decisively once internal sources confirmed Díaz’s eagerness to join Munich . Kompany’s desire for experienced attacking reinforcements—and the limitations of options left on the market—narrowed the decision quickly.
If Díaz delivers, he could revitalize Bayern’s wing play and add much‑needed flexibility in attacking positions. If he struggles, Bayern face justified scrutiny over the transfer fee and long contract for a player in his late prime.
Impact on Liverpool’s summer and wider transfer activity
Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Díaz for €75 m generates vital funds as they reshape their squad. The sale contributes to over £190 m in outbound fees since Richard Hughes took over as Sporting Director in mid‑2024, helping balance costs after nearly £300 m in new signings .
The exit also accelerates Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly open to a move. With Darwin Núñez and others possibly departing, Díaz’s sale could be a catalyst for further changes .
Also notable: Díaz was granted permission to leave Liverpool’s Asia‑tour squad to complete medical and paperwork in Munich as the deal neared finalization, underlining the breakdown of contract talks and clear pathway to his new club .
Luis Díaz after Liverpool: hopes and expectations
Upon signing, Díaz said he was “very happy” and that joining FC Bayern, “one of the biggest clubs in the world”, meant a lot. He vowed to contribute with his style, personality, and ambition: “My goal is to win as many titles as possible” .
The Colombian will wear the No. 14 shirt and joins a high‑expectation dressing room under Kompany. His success will depend on how quickly he adapts, how often he stays fit, and how he handles positional competition—especially with emerging talents like Michael Olise and academy prospects such as Paul Wanner pushing for a place .
Summary
Luis Díaz (28) has signed a four‑year contract with Bayern Munich, running until mid‑2029, for a fee of approximately €75 million including add‑ons .
He leaves Liverpool FC, where he played from January 2022, helped win the 2024‑25 Premier League, and scored 17 goals last season .
Díaz had resisted contract renewal proposals at Liverpool and had become unsettled, prompting the transfer after Liverpool accepted Bayern’s improved offer following heavy summer spending and signing Hugo Ekitike .
Bayern see Díaz as a dynamic winger and central attacker to bolster their attack after the departures/injuries of Sané, Müller, and Musiala, while Liverpool plan to reinvest in players like Alexander Isak and defensive reinforcements .
The transfer is marked by Luis Díaz’s ambition to challenge himself, Liverpool’s strategic squad overhaul, and Bayern’s calculated risk on a proven international talent during his peak years .