Colombian winger Luis Diaz was spotted with the Liverpool squad visiting the historic Ekoin Temple in Japan, despite being on the brink of a high-profile move to Bayern Munich.
The 27-year-old, who joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022, is expected to finalize his transfer imminently, yet has continued to train and travel with the team.
Diaz Set for Bayern Switch in £65.5 Million Deal
Liverpool have reportedly agreed to a £65.5 million deal with Bayern Munich for the sale of Diaz, with the figure including potential add-ons.
Bayern, under new manager Vincent Kompany, had shown long-term interest in the winger and returned with a second improved bid after Liverpool initially rejected an offer around £58.5 million.
The deal is said to be close to completion, with Diaz granted permission to undergo a medical in Munich. According to a Daily Mail Report, Diaz is due to arrive in Germany on Monday, with his medical scheduled for Tuesday.
📸 Potret skuad Liverpool mengikuti sesi meditasi di Kuil Ekoin, Tokyo, pada Senin pagi waktu setempat, sebagai bagian dari tur pramusim mereka di Jepang. 🇯🇵
Mereka dipandu oleh seorang biksu dalam sesi meditasi khusus sebelum kembali latihan pada sore harinya. 🧘🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/WuekmyaB5l
— Extra Time Indonesia (@idextratime) July 28, 2025
Diaz Still With Liverpool For Now
Despite the advanced negotiations and his absence from Liverpool’s recent 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan, Diaz was seen smiling among his teammates at the ancient Ekoin Temple, a 1,000-year-old Buddhist site. The moment, captured on Monday morning UK time, suggests the player remains fully integrated within the squad, even as he prepares to leave.
His participation in the Asia tour’s cultural visit highlights the personal side of football business—where relationships, camaraderie, and professionalism continue amid the reality of transfers.
Arne Slot Addresses Diaz’s Absence
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged Diaz’s omission from the AC Milan friendly was due to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Speaking to LFC TV after the match, Slot said:
“Lucho couldn’t play. There’s a lot of rumours around him lately and I cannot go into that. He’s training well with us, but we have decided, for now, not to play him yet.”
Slot’s comments confirm the club’s stance on preserving the player from unnecessary risk while his future is being resolved.
Contract Talks Collapsed Before Transfer Push
Liverpool had attempted to keep Diaz at Anfield by initiating contract extension talks earlier in the summer. However, negotiations reportedly collapsed due to significant differences in valuation between the club and the player’s representatives.
That breakdown, combined with Diaz’s desire to explore new opportunities, particularly in the Bundesliga, accelerated the transfer process.
The Colombian international had signaled his intent to move as early as the summer of 2024. Despite Liverpool’s initial resistance, Bayern’s persistence and the player’s push eventually turned the tide.
Squad Liverpool mengunjungi Kuil Ekoin di Tokyo pada pagi hari.
Di kuil tersebut, mereka dipandu oleh seorang biksu dalam sesi meditasi khusus, sebelum kembali berlatih di lapangan pada sore harinya. 🧘🏼♀️ 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/CxsGpK0kbz
— Jürgenholic Indonesia (@thejurgenholic) July 28, 2025
Liverpool’s Transfer Plans Continue
As Diaz prepares for his next chapter, Liverpool are actively scouting replacements and reinforcements. The club has shown interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak as a potential addition to the forward line.
Moreover, defensive reinforcements are also a priority, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato—also a Chelsea target—among those being considered.
With the new Premier League season looming, Slot is tasked with not just shaping his squad tactically but also guiding them through a period of transition.
The departure of Diaz, a key attacking figure, will leave a gap in Liverpool’s lineup that needs addressing both strategically and emotionally.
Farewell on the Horizon
Luis Diaz’s time at Liverpool appears to be drawing to a close, but his continued presence with the squad reflects the professionalism with which he and the club have handled the situation.
As he prepares to join Bayern Munich, Diaz leaves Anfield with an FA Cup and Community Shield to his name, along with the admiration of fans who appreciated his flair and determination.
While the formalities of the transfer are nearly complete, Monday’s visit to the Ekoin Temple may well serve as a quiet farewell to a chapter that was short but significant in Diaz’s career—and in Liverpool’s modern era.
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