Everton are reportedly still holding an interest in signing FC Porto’s Colombian forward Luis Diaz, who is a target for German champions Bayern Munich.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Everton will make another push to sign Luis Diaz from Portuguese giants FC Porto, with the 24-year-old also being pursued by Bayern Munich.
Having spent the early parts of his career in his homeland, Colombia, Diaz moved to FC Porto in the summer of 2019 and has grown into a key player for the club. To date, the versatile forward, who can play on the flanks or as a centre-forward, has made 104 appearances for the Dragoes, scoring 30 goals and setting up 14 more.
Diaz caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe this past summer after his exploits with the Colombian national team at the 2021 Copa America. The 24-year-old was a star performer for Los Cafeteros and even finished as the joint-highest goalscorer in the tournament alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Diaz has managed to carry forward this form into the new season with Colombia having already netted five goals and set up one more in six appearances. The 24-year-old’s impressive exploits for club and country have put him on the radars of Bayern Munich, who view him as the ideal replacement for Kingsley Coman, who is being linked with an exit.
Along with Bayern Munich, Everton, too, are keen on signing the Colombian international, having eyed a move for him during the summer transfer window as well. Indeed, the Toffees were keen on signing Diaz as new manager Rafael Benitez sought replacements in the attacking department despite having brought in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.
A move, however, did not materialise, but Everton did sign Salomon Rondon on the deadline day to add more depth to their attack. But, given Diaz’s quality and versatility, signing him would equip the manager with more flexibility with regards to his squad dynamics. Furthermore, the report even adds that Benitez has been following Diaz for quite some time now and is requested the club to sign him.
At 24, Diaz can still improve, which makes him an appealing prospect. However, with his contract running till 2024, Porto are in a strong negotiating position and could demand a significant fee, which could become an issue for Everton. It remains to be seen if the Toffees do decide to move for him in January or the summer next year.
