Transfer Talk: Bayern’s Diaz bid rejected; Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s dream target

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, German giants Bayern Munich have submitted an official bid for Liverpool FC’s Luis Diaz. The Bavarian club’s €67.5 million proposal was swiftly rejected today. Liverpool value the winger at over €100 million and have told the interested clubs that they have no intention of selling the winger. Despite the developments, the Colombia international has expressed his desire to depart Anfield.

Gulf News Verdict: Luis Diaz had his best season in a Liverpool shirt in terms of productivity last campaign as he contributed 17 goals. However, many reports state that he is ready for a new challenge. The Reds don’t want to sell him, but if Bayern come with an improved offer, they might consider it. He has a contract till 2027, but it won’t be a good idea to keep an unhappy player. He has been a top professional and is not someone who will throw tantrums, but if an offer comes closer to the club’s valuation, it will be considered since the Colombian is 28 and his value will only decrease with each passing year. The Merseyside club bought him in January 2022 for an initial fee of £37.5 million from Porto, potentially rising to £50 million with add-ons, and he has been a good signing. Also, they are already in the market for a No 9, but if Diaz moves, they might need to recruit more attacking players, especially to add depth in the wide areas. While football may seem secondary here, the sad demise of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez’s possible departure also make the need more evident.

The dream target for the club would be to sign Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak. According to various reports, the Magpies don’t want to sell him and are ready to hand him a new contract with an improved salary to keep him on Tyneside.

They are in the Champions League and want to build a strong team around the Swedish superstar. There are reports of Newcastle pursuing Frankfurt’s French striker Hugo Ekitike in a big-money deal worth around €80-100 million and wanting to partner him with Isak. We have to see if that is a move to transition from the Swedish international.

The Magpies have let Callum Wilson leave for free and are in need of a striker with only the inexperienced Osula in the squad. So even with the addition of possible Ekitike, it won’t be ideal for them to part ways with Isak. Also, they have already brought the electric winger Elanga from Nottingham Forest and are showing ambition in the market.

They really don’t want to sell their star man, but every player has a value, and anyone who wants to sign Isak will have to fork out £150 million as he has never shown any intention to leave. Liverpool have tested the waters and have begun the preliminary talks. They have already made a record signing in this window as they secured generational talent Florian Wirtz. Can they do it again?