Liverpool have signed Luis Diaz from Porto in a £37.5m deal on a five-year contract until Summer 2027.
Diaz has impressed this season for Porto with 16 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season, which attracted Liverpool’s attention as Jurgen Klopp looked to boost his long-term attacking options moving forward.
With Diaz currently away on international duty for Colombia, Liverpool have confirmed that the 25 year-old winger will officially arrive at the club in midweek, upon completion of Colombia’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Argentina on Tuesday evening.
Aside from the £37.5m transfer fee, Liverpool could also pay up to £12.5m in add-ons and bonuses as part of the deal.
Diaz’s arrival comes after he netted 41 goals in 125 appearances for Porto across the last two-and-a-half seasons, having joined the Portuguese club from Junior where he had managed 20 goals in 108 appearances between 2017-19.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com about the decision to sign Diaz, Klopp admitted that he is delighted to secure the signing of Diaz, whilst iterating his belief that a signing in January should only be made “if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that’s very much the case with Luis.”
Klopp also added that Diaz has been on Liverpool’s radar “for a very long time” in terms of transfer targets.
Explaining what made Diaz an attractive signing for the club, Klopp commented: “We believe he has everything needed to fit into our way and adapt to the Premier League, both physically and mentally.
“He is a player who is hungry for success and knows you have to fight to get what you want. He is a fighter, no doubt. He’s a skilful team player who has always the goal in mind.”
Diaz previously featured twice against Liverpool this season when the Reds faced Porto in Group B, with the Merseyside club winning both meetings by an aggregate score of 7-1, which enabled Klopp to discover his pace and mentality first-hand in the oppositional dugout.
Klopp also paid a respectful tribute to Porto for their development of Diaz as he added: “We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education.
“They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators.”
Diaz also posted a message via Liverpool’s Twitter feed directly addressing Liverpool’s fans.
A message from our new Red 😍 #VamosLuis pic.twitter.com/Be82uaW5wq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2022
Diaz will wear the number 23 shirt and could make his debut at Anfield against Cardiff City in the Fourth Round of 2021-22 FA Cup, which takes place on Sunday 6 February at 12pm GMT live on ITV.
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