• Luis Diaz completes £65.5m transfer to Bayern Munich from Liverpool as Colombian winger links up with Harry Kane

Colombian winger Luis Diaz has officially completed a high-profile switch from Liverpool to Bayern Munich in a deal worth £65.5 million (€75m/$88m), signing a four-year contract with the Bundesliga giants.

The 29-year-old, who spent nearly four years at Anfield after joining from FC Porto in early 2022, leaves Merseyside after a trophy-laden spell that included the Premier League title, FA Cup, and two other major honours.

While Barcelona were also reportedly in the running for Diaz’s signature, it was Bayern Munich who eventually secured the pacey winger, beating off competition after Diaz expressed his desire for a new challenge this summer.

 

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Liverpool confirmed the transfer in an official statement, saying:

“Luis Diaz has completed a permanent transfer to Bayern Munich after three-and-a-half years with Liverpool. The Colombian departs the Reds having played a significant role in the lifting of four major trophies since arriving from FC Porto in early 2022, highlighted by Premier League title glory last term.”

Diaz also spoke after finalising the move, expressing his enthusiasm for the next chapter:

“It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern – it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my style of playing football and my personality.”

 

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His exit marks a key moment in Liverpool’s summer overhaul under new head coach Arne Slot. The Reds have already bolstered their attack with the arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, and are also pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak to strengthen the frontline further.

Though Diaz may not be fit to feature in Bayern’s first pre-season friendly against Lyon on August 2, he could make his debut on August 7 when the Bavarians face Tottenham Hotspur, the former club of Bayern striker Harry Kane, at the Allianz Arena.

 

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The nominees for the Premier League’s Player and Manager of the Month awards for 2024 September have been announced.

Eight players have been recognized for their outstanding performances during the month, and a combination of an expert panel and fan voting will determine the winners.

Additionally, several managers have enjoyed a successful few weeks, with several unbeaten coaches making the shortlist.

Premier League Player of the Month shortlist – September 2024

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Liverpool’s Luis Diaz expressed an emotional tribute to his teammate Alisson Becker after scoring two crucial goals against him in a dramatic 2-1 victory for Colombia over Brazil during a World Cup qualifying match.

Diaz’s poignant performance held even greater emotional weight due to the recent abduction of his father. Luis Manuel Diaz and his son were only reunited during the international break after the elder Diaz’s 12-day detention by the rebel organization ELN in Colombia.

Scoring twice in four minutes late in the second half, Diaz’s goals secured a historic win for Colombia, their first against Brazil in eight years, and propelled them to third place in the South American qualification standings. In contrast, Brazil now finds itself in fifth place after suffering consecutive defeats.

After the final whistle, Diaz was seen embracing Alisson, who serves as both his teammate at Liverpool and the goalkeeper for Brazil on that evening.

Diaz acknowledged Alisson’s support during his recent ordeal, saying, “He’s a great human being. I really respect him. He was very happy for me because he knew what we all went through. He gave me all the support I could’ve asked for.”

In upcoming matches, Alisson will be in action against Argentina, while Diaz will participate in Colombia’s clash against Paraguay.

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After his father was kidnapped, Luis Diaz published a message begging the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, or National Liberation Army, to free him.

In recent times, armed gunmen abducted Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, from Colombia; she was freed last weekend.

Authorities in Colombia, who acknowledged on Friday that they received intelligence indicating that “a unit belonging to the ELN“—a left-wing guerrilla organization that has been active in the nation since 1964—were the ones responsible for the kidnapping, have not yet located Diaz’s father.

During a neighborhood meeting, Reuters was able to obtain confirmation that Diaz’s father will be released “as soon as possible” from ELN representative Juan Carlos Cuellar.

After making his Liverpool comeback and scoring a goal that he dedicated to his father with the words “Freedom for Papa” on his undershirt, Diaz has published a statement begging the ELN to grant his father freedom:

“Here’s not the player speaking. Today’s Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz. Mane, my dad, hard working man, family pillar…he’s now kidnapped.

“I ask ELN to release my father as soon as possible. I also ask the international associations to work on that in order to guarantee his freedom.

“Every second, every minute we’re more worried. We’ve no words to describe our family’s terrible feelings, and it will be the same as long as he’s not back at home.

“I beg you to release my father right now, respecting his integrity.

“I want to thank to all Colombians and also the international community for your support.”

On his comeback for Liverpool, Diaz scored a vital equalizer in the 95th minute by heading home a cross from Harvey Elliott at the back post to help the Reds escape with a draw from a difficult journey to Kenilworth Road.

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Luis Diaz scored a thrilling late equalizer for Liverpool in their Sunday draw with Luton Town, and Jurgen Klopp has praised the player.

The forward’s mother was freed last weekend after his parents were kidnapped by gunmen in Colombia. But Diaz’s father is still missing, and investigators are presently looking for him in the nation’s northwest jungles.

Despite his personal circumstances, Diaz was determined to play for Liverpool on Sunday when they traveled to Luton. The striker would have a significant impact, coming off the bench in the 83rd minute and rising at the back post to head home the equalizer in the 95th.

Speaking about Diaz’s situation and his contribution at Kenilworth Road, Klopp told the press: “That we have to talk about that, it’s wonderful, it’s emotional and it’s fantastic. But the real problem is not sorted. We wanted to give – and he wanted as well – Lucho the opportunity to be a little bit distracted from the other things.

“He cannot do nothing, he is waiting all the time, the whole family is waiting all the time. And so he trained now a few times with us and he was then in a good mood, and that’s good for him. I think the signs from Colombia are rather positive, optimistic but the one thing we all want to hear, it didn’t happen yet. He didn’t train a lot and you don’t know exactly when you can bring him.

“The game was obviously a game where another offensive player would make sense. If you bring him with the quality he has and 15, 20 minutes, I don’t know exactly how long he played, and he scores the goal, so it’s wonderful. That’s it.

Diaz and Klopp embraced after the game, and when asked about the hug and what he said to Diaz, the manager replied:

“Actually after the game no words were necessary. We just gave each other a hug. We know how he is – ok but desperately waiting for the right news. That’s all.

“We had moments like this in the past. I understand 100 per cent that it’s a nice story, honestly, and it’s super-positive and great for him but these things go by. The real information we need is a different information. That’s it. But anyway, it’s a really, really positive thing for him. But all the other problems stay the same.”

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his belief that Saturday’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur should be replayed due to the incorrect decision to disallow an opening goal from Luis Diaz.

In the match, Liverpool was reduced to ten men midway through the first half. However, they believed they had taken the lead when Diaz raced beyond the last line of the Spurs defense and scored a goal, only to have it disallowed for offside.

VAR Darren England reviewed the decision and believed that Diaz’s goal had been incorrectly ruled offside by the on-field officials, confirming what he thought was the opening goal. However, when play resumed with a Tottenham free-kick, he realized that an error had been made, as revealed in audio released by PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) on Tuesday.

Despite this error, Liverpool went on to concede goals to Son Heung-min and Cody Gakpo before losing in the final minute of second-half stoppage time when Joel Matip scored an own goal.

Klopp’s statement suggests his frustration with the incorrect officiating decision and its impact on the outcome of the match. However, the decision to replay a match due to officiating errors is a complex and unusual one in football, and it remains to be seen if any action will be taken in response to Klopp’s comments.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Klopp said he wanted the match against Tottenham to be replayed before Liverpool’s Europa League meeting against Union Saint-Gilloise.

“The audio didn’t change it [our feelings] at all because I was not interested in why things happened, I knew, I saw the outcome, I saw a goal we scored and did not count, so I was not waiting for the audio and hoping I could find out how it could happen,” he began.

“What I want to say is it’s really important that we, as big as football is and important as it is for us at least, really deal with it in a proper way.

“I mean all of the people involved – on-field ref, linesman, fourth official, and especially now in this case the VAR – they didn’t do that on purpose and we should not forget that.

“Yes, it was a mistake, an obvious mistake, and I think there would have been solutions for it afterwards, if not maybe not immediately, some people do not want me to say that, not as the manager of Liverpool but as a football person, I think the only outcome should be a replay. That’s how it is, probably will not happen.

“The argument against that will probably be if we open that gate, then everyone will ask for it. I think the situation is that unprecedented that it didn’t happen before. I’m 56 years old, 50 years in football and I’m absolutely used to wrong decisions, difficult decisions, all these kinds of things.”

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In their statement regretting VAR’s decision to deem Luis Diaz’s goal onside in Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham, Liverpool said they will “explore a range of options.”

The nine-man Reds lost 2-1 to Spurs, but the outcome might have been different if Diaz’s goal in the first half had stood.

Even though Curtis Jones had already been dismissed at this time, Liverpool believed they had taken the lead when Diaz met a through ball from Mohamed Salah and struck the bottom corner, but the offside flag was later raised and the goal was disallowed.

Replays revealed that Cristian Romero was effectively playing Diaz onside, hence this call ought to have been overturned. VAR PGMOL said that’significant human error’ was to blame for Liverpool not scoring the opening goal, and Darren England acknowledged that his review of the decision was complete under the impression that referee Simon Hooper had given the goal.

The result of a VAR review cannot be changed after the referee commands play to resume.

Liverpool has finally issued a statement regarding the contentious events of Saturday.

The statement reads: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.

“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR.

“It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention.

“That such failings have already been categorised as ‘significant human error’ is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency.

“This is vital for the reliability of future decision-making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again.

“In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”

Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night.

It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 1, 2023

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Darwin Nunez took up the historic number nine shirt, last worn by Firmino previous to his departure this summer, after a hit-or-miss rookie season. The Uruguayan striker originally wore the No. 27, but switched numbers rapidly over the offseason.

Meanwhile, Luis Diaz joins Liverpool superstars Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Steve McManaman, Luis Suarez, and, most recently, Milner in donning the number seven.

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Luis Diaz is set to make his long-anticipated injury comeback from injury for Liverpool against Manchester City this weekend.

The Colombian has been out since sustaining a knee injury in the loss to Arsenal in October, but he resumed full training at Kirkby on Tuesday. If there is no negative response, Diaz will travel with Jurgen Klopp’s squad to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The news will be a great boost for Klopp, whose team has a vital eight days to finish in the top four. The Reds play City on Saturday, then travel to Chelsea on Tuesday before hosting league-leading Arsenal on April 9.

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Darwin Nunez is not expected to be fit for the weekend, despite the striker missing the most recent Uruguay team due to a leg ailment, according to Klopp. But Thiago Alcantara, a midfielder, is still out with an unidentified hip problem.

The Spaniard hasn’t played since the beginning of February, and Liverpool had anticipated that he would be out for up to four weeks. He hasn’t joined the team for training, so he likely won’t be available for another crucial stretch for Klopp’s club.

The Reds presently hold the sixth spot in the Premier League, seven points behind Tottenham in fourth place despite having two games in hand. Newcastle is five points ahead of Liverpool, so they know that a loss against Manchester City on Saturday (12:30 GMT) may effectively put an end to their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed when he expects Luis Diaz to rejoin full training again.

The Colombian has been a huge miss for the Reds this season having suffered a knee injury against Arsenal back in October.

After suffering a knee injury against Arsenal in October, the Colombian has been a significant loss for the Reds this season.

Klopp’s side have stumbled from catastrophe to disaster in a season that has seen them ousted in the first round of both cup competitions, suffer their worst-ever home defeat in Europe to Real Madrid, and plummet to seventh in the Premier League rankings.

Klopp has some good news to give concerning Diaz’s probable comeback before of their game against the Wolves on Wednesday evening.

“It’s estimated that maybe next week he will be warming up with the team and then maybe a week later being in team training,” Klopp said of Diaz.

“That would be cool. But you always have to wait. On Tuesday I saw a very intense session – a lot of change of directions and stuff like this. If there is no reaction from that then he can make the next step. Then I think he is not too far away.”

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Diaz joined Liverpool in the middle of their remarkable 2021/22 campaign, which saw them win a domestic cup double and come agonizingly close to completing the quadruple, losing the Champions League final and missing out on the Premier League title by a single point.

Due to his extended absence due to injury, Klopp has downplayed the possibility that Diaz would return with the same energizing effect. Nonetheless, the team is looking forward to his return and hopes he will have a significant influence whatsoever.

“It’s a different situation to last season, he came here having played all the games for Porto pretty much and now he’s been out with an injury for the second time,” he added.

“But I can tell you the two sessions he had with us in Dubai in the training camp, it was like, ‘Oh my God, how good is that?’ Then he was injured again.

“When he is back he will be really good and very impactful, of course. That is clear. How quickly, I don’t know. We have to see. That’s the big challenge in these moments. There’s no time for being patient but you have to be patient.

“I’m positive about him that there’s a good chance for him to have a real impact in 10, 11, 12 games maybe. We will see how long it exactly takes.”

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Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has assured fans he is hopeful of returning to action in the coming weeks.

The Colombian international hasn’t played competitively since October due to a knee injury, but manager Jurgen Klopp has allowed Diaz to resume light training on the grass.

Indeed, Sky Sports state that Diaz is scheduled to return for Liverpool next month, perhaps in time for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on March 15.

Speaking in English, Diaz provided a brief update to Liverpool fans.

“I hope to be back soon,” Diaz confirmed.

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Asked whether the trip to Madrid was his target, Diaz continued: “Let’s wait to see when I can come back to the pitch. If it’s the Bernabeu, it’ll be no worries.”

Diaz’s imminent return will come as exciting news to Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, who recently described the winger as ‘fundamental’ to the Reds’ hopes of ending their current slump and battling back up the Premier League table.

“I saw what Darwin said,” Diaz explained. “Yes, it’s important to be back, but it’s not just me.

“The idea is to get back and help the team with all my teammates. I want to be back and have a good second half of the season.”

Liverpool are preparing to welcome another forward back into the fold as Portugal international Diogo Jota has returned to training. A calf injury has also cost Jota the last four months of his career but there is hope the 26-year-old will be playing again before the end of the month.

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Liverpool have confirmed that Cody Gakpo has been formally registered as a new player following his move from PSV Eindhoven and revealed when the player will make his debut for the club.

The Dutchman’s transfer to Anfield was finalized late last month, with Liverpool forking over an initial £37m to beat out Manchester United, who had been following Gakpo since the summer.

Manager Jurgen Klopp had initially stated there was a chance Gakpo could have featured in the weekend’s defeat to Brentford if the paperwork could be finalised in time, which obviously did not happen.

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However, Liverpool have now confirmed the move is official and final.

“Cody Gakpo is officially a Liverpool player after the formalities of his transfer from PSV Eindhoven were successfully concluded on Tuesday,” a statement read.

“The 23-year-old is now formally registered with the Reds and able to begin work with his new club.

“The Netherlands international could now come into contention for Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.”

Gakpo, who has taken the number 18 shirt for Liverpool, could come straight into a Reds starting lineup that is already missing the injured Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with Klopp looking for a response after their shock 3-1 defeat to Brentford last time out.

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