Liverpool and Bayern Munich legend Dietmar Hamann has made his feelings clear on the German side’s pursuit of Luis Diaz.
Diaz, who scored 13 goals in Liverpool’s title triumph last season, has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. Barcelona were credited with an interest in the former Porto man, and may yet return for Diaz having failed in their push to land Nico Williams from Athletic Club.
Bayern made their first move for Diaz this week, but saw a £58.5m bid for the 28-year-old rejected outright by the Reds. Rather, Liverpool are demanding £80m for the Colombia international, who moved to Merseyside in January 2023.
The German side are looking to strengthen in attack having allowed Leroy Sane to leave upon the culmination of his contract, while Jamal Musiala suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle during the Club World Cup, ruling the youngster out for months.
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However, Hamann has warned against Bayern making a move for Diaz, voicing his concerns over the winger.
Speaking to Sky Germany, the former Bayern and Liverpool midfielder said: “To now bring in Luis Diaz, a 28-year-old South American who played 50 games per season for four or five years and has those long flights home - which are also a problem - to pay 70 or 80 million for that, while the sale value is zero because he would be 32 at the end of his contract, I wonder what they even have the campus [academy] for?”
Hamann identifies German youngster as alternative
Hamann has instead suggested an alternative for Bayern to target should they look to bolster on the frontline.
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Brajan Gruda only moved to Brighton last summer following an impressive breakout campaign for Mainz and while he only started eight league games for the Seagulls due to injury, Hamann believes the 21-year-old, who shone for Germany at the U21 Euros, should be Bayern’s number one attacking target.
“I would get [Brajan] Gruda,” Hamann added. “For me, he's one of the best German players. He was injured for a long time, but played very well towards the end of the season. Gruda can play on the outside and in the middle. He would be my first option.”
Barcelona remain interested in Diaz
Although Bayern are keen on Diaz, the player’s agent has reportedly met with Barcelona sporting director Deco, who spoke of his admiration of the Liverpool man and Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, another supposedly on the La Liga side’s radar.
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“We like Luis, we like Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco told Catalan radio station RAC 1. “Out of respect, talking about players who are under contract with other clubs is complicated. When we go to the market, there are names we know that could improve the team.”
Liverpool have been active in the market this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, while Rodrygo and Hugo Ekitike remain targets for the Premier League champions.
Topics: Bayern Munich, Football, Liverpool, Luis Diaz, Premier League, Transfer News
Ben McAleer