Arne Slot Reveals Why Luis Diaz Missed Liverpool's Crushing Loss to AC Milan

Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, has worryingly revealed that Luis Díaz was excluded from Saturday's exhibition match loss to AC Milan due to the ambiguity surrounding his potential departure.

Díaz has publicly acknowledged that he is weighing his alternatives this summer, following early transfer window interest from Barcelona and recent attention from Bayern Munich.

The Colombian forward is now in his contract's final two seasons, which is typically when Liverpool prefers to discuss extensions with their key personnel. Not doing so previously caused Trent Alexander-Arnold to be swayed by Real Madrid's advances, and the Reds were perhaps lucky to persuade Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to renew under comparable conditions.

Díaz's name was missing from the squad list for the Hong Kong exhibition against Milan, alongside Darwin Núñez. The latter has been widely anticipated to depart this summer, with expectations rising after Hugo Ekitiké's expensive signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, though no exit is imminent. However, Liverpool personnel and supporters both hope Díaz will remain.

When questioned about Díaz's absence from the Milan match, Slot candidly informed journalists it was "because of rumors regarding his future".

Díaz has been forthright about discussing his circumstances publicly, making it abundantly clear that all possibilities remain open, including both a Liverpool contract extension and a move to another club.

"We are currently in discussions, speaking with Liverpool and all parties who are contacting us," the ex-Porto player stated earlier this month. "I feel very relaxed in my current position and extremely content. [However, I will] choose what's most beneficial for my career".

Barcelona have been eliminated from contention, with financial constraints playing a role, and have subsequently acquired Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United as an alternative. Yet Bayern continues seeking a winger following Leroy Sané's free transfer departure, and have seen their initial €67.5 million (£58.6 million, $78.8 million) bid rejected. Liverpool are demanding €100 million (£86.8 million, $116.7 million).