In a window transfer, Liverpool have agreed to sell their dynamic winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million (€75 million), marking one of the most significant moves of the 2025 summer transfer window. The 28-year-old Colombian, who has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attacking prowess, is set to join the Bundesliga giants on a four-year contract, with the deal expected to be finalized by July 28, 2025. This article traces Diaz’s footballing journey from his roots in Colombia to his imminent move to Bayern Munich, detailing his career milestones, goal-scoring record, and the intricate events leading to this high-profile transfer, all while adhering to AdSense-compliant standards.
Luis Diaz’s footballing story began in Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia, where he was born on January 13, 1997. Growing up in a modest, football-loving family, Diaz honed his skills playing street football in his hometown. His raw talent and relentless energy caught the eye of local scouts, leading him to join the youth setup of Barranquilla FC, a Categoría Primera B (second-division) club, at age 17.
In 2016, Diaz made his professional debut with Barranquilla FC, appearing in 34 matches and scoring 3 goals. His first professional goal came on May 8, 2016, in a 2–1 league victory against Real Cartagena, a moment that showcased his potential as a dynamic winger. Despite limited goal-scoring opportunities in the second tier, Diaz’s pace, dribbling, and work rate made him a standout, paving the way for a move to a top-tier Colombian club.
Rising Star at Atlético Junior
In January 2017, Diaz signed with Atlético Junior in Colombia’s Categoría Primera A, a significant step up in his career. Over two years, he played 108 matches and scored 21 goals across all competitions, including 14 in the league, 4 in the Copa Colombia, and 3 in international tournaments like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
His breakthrough came in 2018, when he scored a brace in a 3–2 league win against Independiente Medellín in April and later netted a crucial goal in the Categoría Primera A final, helping Junior secure the 2018 title. In 2019, Diaz added another league title and the Superliga Colombiana, scoring in a 2–1 win over Deportes Tolima.
European Breakthrough at FC Porto
In July 2019, Diaz made a €7 million move to FC Porto in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, a transfer that marked his arrival on the European stage. Under manager Sérgio Conceição, Diaz evolved into a world-class winger, playing 125 matches and scoring 41 goals across all competitions. His tally included 26 goals in the Primeira Liga, 7 in the Taça de Portugal, and 8 in UEFA competitions (Champions League and Europa League).
Notable performances included a hat-trick in a 5–0 Primeira Liga win over Moreirense in February 2020 and a goal in a 3–1 Champions League victory against AS Roma in March 2019. Diaz also played a key role in Porto’s 2020 Taça de Portugal triumph, scoring in the 2–1 final win. His contributions helped Porto secure the Primeira Liga titles in 2019–20 and 2021–22, as well as the 2020 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. By 2021, Diaz’s electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in high-stakes matches had made him a target for top European clubs.
In January 2022, Liverpool signed Diaz from Porto for an initial £37.5 million, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £50 million (totaling £43 million after bonuses). The transfer saw Liverpool outmaneuver rivals like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with Jurgen Klopp praising Diaz’s “world-class” potential. Diaz quickly became a fan favorite at Anfield, known for his relentless pressing, dribbling, and ability to deliver in big moments.
Over three-and-a-half seasons, Diaz played 148 matches, scored 41 goals, and provided 23 assists across all competitions. His Liverpool career can be broken down as follows:
- 2022–23 Season: Played 38 matches, scored 9 goals (4 in Premier League, 3 in Champions League, 2 in EFL Cup), and provided 4 assists. His first Premier League goal came in a 3–3 draw against Brighton in October 2022, showcasing his ability to cut inside and finish with precision.
- 2023–24 Season: Played 51 matches, scored 15 goals (8 in Premier League, 4 in Europa League, 3 in EFL Cup), and provided 7 assists. A standout moment was his brace in a 4–1 Premier League win over Chelsea in February 2024, earning him Player of the Match honors.
- 2024–25 Season: Played 50 matches, scored 17 goals (13 in Premier League, 3 in Champions League, 1 in FA Cup), and provided 12 assists. Diaz was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win under Arne Slot, with key goals in a 2–0 victory against Manchester City in December 2024 and a brace in a 3–1 Champions League win over Real Madrid in November 2024. His Premier League stats included an 18.3% shot conversion rate, 30 shots on target, 56 chances created, and 52 dribbles completed, ranking him among the league’s top attackers.
Diaz’s versatility allowed him to play across the front line, often rotating with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Despite interest from Barcelona, PSG, and Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Nassr in 2024, Diaz remained committed to Liverpool until the 2025 transfer window.
Diaz’s international career with Colombia began in September 2018 with a debut against Venezuela. Since then, he has scored 14 goals in 54 appearances, becoming a key figure for the national team. His standout performances include two goals in the 2021 Copa América, including a spectacular strike against Brazil, helping Colombia secure third place. Diaz also scored in a 3–0 World Cup qualifier win against Bolivia in March 2022, underlining his importance to Colombia’s attacking unit.
The Move to Bayern Munich
The summer of 2025 brought intense speculation about Diaz’s future. Bayern Munich, seeking to bolster their attack after failing to sign Florian Wirtz, Nico Williams, and Bradley Barcola, identified Diaz as their top target. The departure of Leroy Sané to Galatasaray and an injury to Jamal Musiala further highlighted Bayern’s need for a left winger.
On July 15, 2025, Bayern submitted an initial €67.5 million (£58.6 million) bid, which Liverpool rejected, valuing Diaz at over €100 million (£86 million). Diaz, however, expressed his desire to join Bayern, informing Liverpool of his preference and agreeing to personal terms for a four-year contract worth €14 million per season (£230,000 per week), a significant increase from his £55,000-per-week salary at Liverpool.
Bayern returned with an improved €75 million (£65.5 million) offer, which Liverpool accepted on July 27, 2025. Diaz was granted permission to leave Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Tokyo for a medical, with the transfer set to be finalized by July 28, 2025. The deal includes a four-year contract with an optional one-year extension, making Diaz one of Bayern’s highest-paid players. The transfer ranks as Liverpool’s third-largest sale (after Philippe Coutinho and Fernando Torres) and Bayern’s third-largest purchase (after Harry Kane and Lucas Hernández).
Why Bayern Munich?
Bayern’s pursuit of Diaz was driven by his proven track record and adaptability. His 2024–25 Premier League season, where he ranked just outside the top 10 for combined goals and assists (18), made him an ideal fit for Vincent Kompany’s system. Diaz’s ability to play on either wing or as a forward, combined with his high pressing and goal-scoring instincts, aligns with Bayern’s attacking philosophy. Despite concerns about his age (he turns 29 in January 2026), his recent form and durability made him a priority signing.
Liverpool’s Strategic Decision
Liverpool’s decision to sell Diaz was influenced by several factors. The club had already raised nearly £190 million from the sales of Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Nathaniel Phillips since June 2024. The signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike bolstered Liverpool’s attack, reducing the impact of Diaz’s departure. Additionally, Liverpool are reportedly targeting Newcastle’s Alexander Isak to further strengthen their forward line, signaling a strategic squad overhaul under sporting director Richard Hughes.
Career Summary and Legacy
Luis Diaz’s journey from Barrancas to Bayern Munich is a testament to his talent and determination. His career totals include 106 goals in 415 club matches and 14 goals in 54 international appearances. His trophy cabinet boasts two Categoría Primera A titles, two Primeira Liga titles, one Taça de Portugal, one Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, and a Premier League title. Diaz’s legacy at Liverpool includes his role in their 2024–25 title triumph, while Bayern fans eagerly await his impact in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Sources: The Athletic, Sky Sports, BBC Sport, The Guardian, ESPN, Transfermarkt, Liverpool FC, FC Porto, Atlético Junior