Liverpool have reportedly struck a deal with FC Porto to sign Colombian international Luis Diaz, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
According to O Jogo, Liverpool have beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Luis Diaz. It appears the Merseyside giants have reached an agreement with FC Porto worth around €45 million in cash, while an additional €15 million are set to be paid through performance-related bonuses.
Earlier in the window, Tottenham themselves had reportedly come up with a €45 million offer, but it was rebuffed by Porto, who were holding out for €60 million. Although Liverpool are not willing to spend more than €45 million for Diaz either, the added bonuses were enough to convince Porto to sell the Colombian.
Another key factor of the discussion was Diaz’s willingness to join the camp at Anfield. He preferred a move to a bigger club that can consistently fight for titles and play in the UEFA Champions League, thus giving Liverpool the advantage.
The Colombian international, after all, is currently one of the most sought-after prospects in the transfer market thanks to a brilliant start to the 2021/22 campaign. In just 18 league games, he has netted 14 goals, helping FC Porto remain ahead of Sporting CP in the race for the Portuguese league title.
Diaz’s performances have not been restricted to club football either, with the attacker notably starring for Colombia in Copa America last summer. He was even the joint top-scorer in the competition alongside Lionel Messi and Gianluca Lapadula, helping Los Cafeteros finish third.
His rapid rise to prominence has now compelled Liverpool to make a move. It is believed that the Reds are looking for reinforcements in the offensive unit in light of Divock Origi’s uncertain future at the club. The Belgian has been linked with a move to Burnley, whereas even Mohamed Salah’s future remains unresolved, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
The addition of Diaz, to that end, could serve as a massive boost for Liverpool. The Colombian is capable of playing on both flanks and could significantly improve the overall depth in the offensive unit. It will be particularly interesting to see whether he is allowed to remain at Porto for the remainder of the season, though.
Meanwhile, losing out on the FC Porto starlet could serve as a massive blow for Tottenham, who are also likely to miss out on top target Adama Traore. The Spaniard is reportedly closing in on a return to Barcelona just a few days after he was expected to finalise a move to Tottenham. So the onus is now the north London giants to set their sights on other alternatives in the remaining days of the January transfer window.
