Dave Hendrick on Diaz 'obviously the right time to sell'
Luis Diaz's time at Liverpool has come to an end, with the Colombian winger set to join Bayern Munich in a deal worth £65 million including add-ons. As said by Dave Hendrick on The Daily Red Podcast, both clubs have agreed the fee, and Diaz has accepted personal terms with the German champions. While the breakdown of the fee is still unknown, Hendrick called it 'really good business for us,' especially considering Diaz is nearing 29 with two years remaining on his contract.
Arrival and Early Impact at Liverpool
Diaz joined Liverpool in January 2022 from Porto, costing the club an initial £37.5 million with a further £12.5 million in potential add-ons. While the exact figures paid are unclear, Hendrick estimated, 'We paid all in around £48–49 million for Luis Diaz.' His immediate impact was undeniable. Diaz provided a 'real shot in the arm' to a squad chasing the quadruple, helping secure both domestic cups and propelling Liverpool's push for league and European glory.
In that initial half-season, Diaz gave Liverpool fans reason to believe they had found a fitting heir to Sadio Mané. 'He gave Sadio a strong last six months,' said Hendrick, noting that Diaz's performances on the left allowed Mané to shift centrally and regain form during the run-in.
Frustrations and Setbacks
Despite flashes of brilliance, Diaz's Liverpool career was marred by inconsistency and misfortune. A serious knee injury in the 2022/23 season sidelined him for months. 'He missed months and months… he ends up missing half the season,' Hendrick said, reflecting on the failed non-surgical recovery attempt and a reinjury that derailed his campaign.
Then came personal trauma in the 2023/24 season, as Diaz's father was kidnapped in Colombia. 'Quite a traumatic experience,' Hendrick acknowledged, adding that Diaz 'never fully found any kind of consistency that year.'
Still, when Arne Slot arrived, he backed the winger. Diaz started the 2024/25 season brightly, even transitioning into a central role due to injuries and form issues elsewhere. Although his productivity dipped midseason, he remained committed. 'He was still working really hard for the team… still doing a lot of the things we needed him to do.'
His hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen was a highlight, and as the season progressed, 'he catches fire again and he finishes the season really well.' He ended the campaign with a personal-best 17 goals, contributing significantly to Liverpool's Premier League title triumph.
Why Bayern Makes Sense for Diaz
For Diaz, the move to Bayern Munich offers a new challenge and, as Hendrick sees it, an ideal fit. 'I think Diaz will smash it at Bayern,' he said confidently. The Bundesliga's less demanding defences and the players surrounding Diaz were key factors. 'He never played with a great number nine' at Liverpool, but now he'll have Harry Kane. 'Harry Kane makes his wingers better,' Hendrick added.
He'll also line up alongside Michael Olise and, eventually, Jamal Musiala. And once Alphonso Davies returns from injury, Diaz will have one of the fastest full-backs in the world overlapping. 'That's a great, great situation for Diaz to be going into,' Hendrick said. He also noted that Joshua Kimmich and Tom Bischof provide excellent service and creativity in midfield.
No Regrets and a Smart Sale
For Liverpool, the sale is strategic and timely. 'It's obviously the right time to sell and it's a good fee,' said Hendrick. With a net spend of just £136 million this window, Liverpool are operating smartly, especially in contrast to their rivals. 'We couldn't be in a better position,' he added, pointing to the club's financial flexibility.
Diaz departs with 41 goals in 148 appearances and leaves as a Premier League champion. He arrived to fill an impossible gap and did so with moments of genuine magic. 'Lucho did what we needed him to do,' Hendrick summarised, and for that, he should leave Anfield with everyone's best wishes.
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