Luis Diaz’s Father Says Tottenham 'Let Themselves Be Caught' By Liverpool In The Race For The Colombian

Luis Diaz’s father has slammed Tottenham for their hesitancy in the transfer market and says Spurs allowed themselves “to be caught” by Liverpool in the race for the Colombian.

Tottenham were in advanced talks to sign Diaz last month only for Liverpool to hijack the deal in the closing stages of the transfer window, signing the winger in a £37.5m move from Porto.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly left ‘furious’ over the club’s failure to land Diaz, with Tottenham also missing out on another key transfer target in Adama Traore.

Luis Diaz made his debut for Liverpool on Sunday (Image: Alamy)

Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, has blamed Spurs for a lack of decisiveness.

“Tottenham was one. Roma was also left behind in the process. They hesitated a lot and let themselves be caught by Liverpool,” he told BluRadio's Blog Deportivo.

“Liverpool were faster than them, they needed him and they took him away.”

Diaz Snr says his son was determined to join Liverpool once he became aware the Reds were interested in him.

“There were many suitors who wanted Luis' services, but he had the dream of reaching Liverpool. Because Liverpool are an elite team,” he added.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly left furious over the club's failure to sign Diaz (Image: Alamy)

Diaz made his debut for Liverpool in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Cardiff in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

He made a positive impact off the bench, setting up Takumi Minamino for the second of Liverpool’s goals.

Harvey Elliott, who was also on the scoresheet after making his long-awaited return from injury, was impressed with Diaz’s first game for the club.

"You can see that he’s got exceptional talent and he’s a top guy as well," the teenager told LFCTV.

"We’re all around him, supporting him and we’re all there if he needs.

Diaz helped set up a goal on his debut for Liverpool (Image: Alamy)

"I’m sure he will show what he’s about, he showed glimpses today. To come on next to him was a proud moment for myself as well because he’s, in my opinion, a world-class player.

"He’s only going to get better playing for Liverpool, playing in front of these fans.

"It’s exciting to see what the years could bring with him. I’m sure he will go on and show the world what he’s capable of doing." 

Topics: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Luis Diaz, Premier League, Transfers, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan