Who Wins and Who Loses as Luis Diaz Departs Liverpool?

Luis Díaz is emulating Liverpool legend Sadio Mané's path by making the switch to Bayern Munich following a productive period at Anfield.

The Colombian forward was considered the natural heir to the Senegalese icon's position at Liverpool, having joined the club half a year prior to Mané's 2022 exit. Despite facing challenges after an impressive initial period, Díaz departs following his most productive campaign in a Liverpool shirt.

His tally of 13 Premier League strikes ranked him second only to Mohamed Salah in Arne Slot's team, as he excelled as the supporting act to Salah's leading role in Liverpool's offensive setup. Though the Reds were eager to keep him, Díaz, similar to Mané three seasons prior, craved fresh opportunities. Germany awaits.

With his decision finalized, Liverpool can take satisfaction in securing substantial compensation and generating profit. Bayern have paid £65.6 million ($88.1 million) to acquire the 28-year-old.

Beneficiaries of Luis Díaz's Liverpool Departure

Alexander Isak

Liverpool have emerged as the Premier League's most active buyers this transfer window, with Hugo Ekitiké's signing pushing their expenditure close to the £300 million ($398.6 million) threshold.

And their business may continue!

Isak's intention to depart Newcastle United became apparent after Arsenal secured Viktor Gyökeres and Liverpool had already acquired Ekitiké. With the Swedish striker reluctant to consider Saudi Arabian offers, the Reds, despite their significant spending, represent Isak's most viable destination.

Díaz's lucrative departure will strengthen their capacity to complete what might be a record-setting transfer, with Newcastle potentially seeking up to £150 million ($199.3 million). Given Isak's desire to leave St. James's Park and his exclusion from the Magpies' pre-season preparations, he stands as perhaps the primary beneficiary of the Colombian's move.

Cody Gakpo

Gakpo emerged as one of the main winners from Arne Slot's appointment, with his fellow Dutchman repositioning the former PSV Eindhoven player away from the striker role and deploying him in wide areas.

The Netherlands international thrived following this positional change after a sluggish Premier League beginning, finding his form around the new year. An injury somewhat hindered him during late winter, disrupting his progress, but he concluded 2024–25 with 10 Premier League strikes.

He featured in nearly 50 matches for the Reds last campaign, earning 32 starting positions. Playing time wasn't a concern for Gakpo, with Díaz able to function as a false nine when Slot chose not to deploy Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota in his starting lineup.

Díaz, though, was also utilized on the left wing instead of Gakpo, so his departure should decrease competition for the Dutchman's favored position—despite speculation about Hugo Ekitiké potentially operating wide if Isak arrives.

Harry Kane

Bayern may have exceeded market value for the Liverpool winger, considering his age and the relatively brief commitment, but their star striker Harry Kane won't be concerned.

Kane has found the net consistently since joining the defending Bundesliga champions two summers ago, and he should profit from Díaz's enthusiasm and relentless work rate on the left wing. The Colombian represents the Leroy Sané replacement they urgently required, and the club hopes Díaz can combine with Michael Olise as effectively as the Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman partnership from their treble-winning 2019–20 campaign.

Gnabry and Coman remain Bayern players, but they'll serve as squad depth this season.

Kane nearly partnered with Díaz during the 2021–22 season, with Tottenham Hotspur close to finalizing a deal for the then-Porto player, before Liverpool intervened.

Díaz's work rate should lessen Kane's defensive responsibilities, and the 28-year-old's willingness to make runs behind the defense will enhance the English striker's creative role. He provides the pace this Bayern attack was missing. Furthermore, the investment in Díaz will likely prevent the German club from pursuing a potential Kane replacement this summer.

Those Disadvantaged by Luis Díaz's Liverpool Departure

Hugo Ekitiké

This situation connects to Liverpool's possible pursuit of Isak. Currently, Ekitiké is positioned to serve as the Reds' primary striker, but the Newcastle player's arrival would question the Frenchman's role.

Slot might implement a dual-striker formation, but could also move Ekitiké to wide positions. While there are indications that Liverpool's new acquisition can perform on the flanks, he's undoubtedly more comfortable as a mobile center forward—one who can drift left—rather than a traditional wide player.

What Slot demands from Ekitiké if deployed wide, which he might consider even without Isak's signing, given Florian Wirtz's potential as a false nine, will determine his success in that role. However, the young striker is more reliable when leading the attack.

Still, the flexible system Slot employed last season should benefit Ekitiké, regardless of his assigned position.

Nick Woltemade

Bayern Munich's significant investment in Díaz likely ends their interest in Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, who impressed for Germany Under-21s at this summer's Euros following a breakthrough Bundesliga season.

The 23-year-old presents a unique profile combining traditional and modern qualities. Woltemade stands 6'5 with exceptional technical ability. He netted 12 goals in the German top division last season, and Bayern appeared ready to invest following his excellent summer in Slovakia.

The young striker has Bayern in his sights, and he allegedly reached personal agreement with Die Roten regarding a potential transfer. Kane hasn't displayed any decline, but at 32 he might not extend beyond 2027. They need a long-term plan, and Woltemade seemingly fits perfectly.

However, their pursuit of the 23-year-old has likely been delayed following the Díaz acquisition. They cannot finance both transfers.

Alexis Mac Allister

The transfer window has been challenging for Alexis Mac Allister thus far. He's been sidelined for two months with an undisclosed injury, and marked his training return by receiving an Ekitiké shot to the face.

Mac Allister's South American group is also shrinking. Díaz spoke about his strong bond with the Argentina midfielder earlier this year, noting that he, Mac Allister, and Uruguayan Núñez are "constantly together in everything".

Mac Allister might therefore lose two of his closest Liverpool companions in one transfer window, with Núñez also strongly rumored to be departing.