Liverpool have fast-tracked a move to sign Luis Diaz after Tottenham panicked the Reds into action with a bid of their own and the Colombian looks set to seal a surprise Anfield move.
But how did this come about? Well, on Wednesday, Pedro Sepulveda claimed that Spurs had made an ‘official proposal’ worth €45million (£37.6million) to sign Diaz.
Well, that prompted multiple Portuguese outlets to report that Diaz did not want to move to the London club and would prefer to wait for a move to Liverpool, who a viewed as a ‘more seductive’ prospect.
He didn’t have to wait long, did he?
Today, several journalists broke the news that Liverpool are hard at work to ensure he gets his move to Merseyside this month and will be part of their squad for the rest of the season.
January 28th – News breaks that Liverpool are close to Diaz deal
- 1:50am: Pipe Sierra reports that Liverpool have a ‘great offer’ for Luis Diaz while Tottenham made a second proposal but “it wouldn’t happen because the Colombian wants his agent to be there and not Jorge Mendes in the operation.”He ended the tweet with the exciting proclamation: “Hot hours.”
- 6:59am: Neil Jones reports: “Liverpool are trying to sign Luis Diaz from Porto ahead of transfer deadline. Nothing agreed yet but they’re in.”
- 7:04am: Paul Joyce reports: “Liverpool are looking to finalise a £37.5 million deal to sign Luis Diaz after hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the Porto winger.”
- 7:11am: Neil Jones reports: “Fee for Luis Diaz to Liverpool would be €45m, plus €15m in add-ons. Reds were initially keen on summer deal but have brought forward after Spurs’ interest accelerated.”
- 8:22am: “Pipe Sierra reports Luis Díaz (25) has a verbal agreement to become a new Liverpool player. The ‘Reds’ have a long-term contract ready for him that he hopes to sign in the next few hours. The Colombian will arrive from Porto for €45m + €15m in bonuses. He will receive €9m.”
- 8:33am: Fabrizio Romano reports: “Liverpool will submit an official bid in the coming hours for Luís Diaz – he’s top of LFC scouting list. €40m guaranteed plus easy bonuses around €20m plus €5m difficult bonuses. Salary now discussed with agent. Tottenham opening bid was turned down by FC Porto.”
- 9:35am: Neil Jones reports: “Liverpool have pencilled in a medical for Luis Diaz in Argentina this weekend. A club delegation is en route. Colombia will travel to Argentina tonight after their game with Peru in Barranquilla.”
Diaz arrival will propel Liverpool into Premier and Champions League races
New signings have galvanising effects on clubs and while Liverpool aren’t signing Diaz because they think he’s needed this season, he could turn out to be a key player.
Jurgen Klopp’s side trail Manchester City by 9 points in the Premier League but with a game in hand and a trip to the Etihad on the cards in April, that deficit could be shaved to 3 points before the Citizens drop any further points.
A few weeks ago, Virgil van Dijk said: “It’s never difficult to believe. It’s a big gap. They’ve (City) got the title to lose at the moment, but anything can happen still.
“Unfortunately we’ve been there and we had a gap out in front, and we gave it away.
‘Anything is possible. We will focus on ourselves, Chelsea will focus on themselves. We just have to get results. Get results, play good football, win games.”
Diaz has 16 goals and 6 assists for Porto this season and he will be hoping to continue that rich vein of form with Liverpool. If he does and the rest of the squad performs to a high level, success in both the Premier League and Champions League isn’t inconceivable.
Not to mention the FA Cup and League Cup.
