Arne Slot Breaks Silence on Luis Diaz's Shocking Liverpool Departure: "Great Business"

Arne Slot considers Liverpool to have made "excellent business" through the sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich as they look to balance their summer expenditure.

The Merseyside club has invested £295 million ($390.3 million) in transfers during this summer window, with major acquisitions of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké significantly impacting their financial resources.

Liverpool may still pursue another substantial transfer for Newcastle United's unsettled striker Alexander Isak, which could push their total outlay beyond the £400 million ($529.2 million) threshold.

Although Liverpool's restrained approach in the 2024 summer window enabled their current spending spree, the defending Premier League titleholders have remained keen to generate revenue. Díaz's departure, despite his crucial role in the Reds' championship success, has provided substantial funds following his £65.5 million ($86.7 million) transfer to Bayern.

Slot has acknowledged the club's regret at losing the gifted winger from Anfield, though the Liverpool boss has explained that the Colombian's departure aligns with the Reds' transfer market "strategy".

"Luis is a player who helped us secure the title and there's a clear reason we achieved that with him - he's an exceptional talent," Slot acknowledged. "It's naturally disappointing to witness someone of that caliber departing, to some degree.

"However, we've received substantial compensation for him and, as you're likely more aware than myself, this football club has secured incredible signings throughout the years, but our approach also requires occasional player sales. I believe we conducted outstanding business by acquiring Lucho for several seasons before selling him at an excellent profit."

Though Isak seems to be Liverpool's primary transfer target, questions now arise regarding the necessity of signing another winger—particularly with Federico Chiesa also anticipated to exit the club. Nevertheless, Slot feels confident about his current left-wing alternatives.

"Currently, we retain Cody Gakpo, Rio [Ngumoha] is demonstrating promising development, and I believe Florian Wirtz can operate from the left wing as well. There are sufficient alternatives available for my selection," the Dutch manager stated.

"However, as I consistently mention, another aspect of Liverpool's approach is that when we identify an opportunity in the market, we don't hesitate to make a move. Ultimately, it concerns quality, and we have already secured some outstanding signings. Regarding quality, we are already well-positioned."