Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have reportedly asked for information about FC Porto’s Colombian forward Luis Diaz, who could be available for €50 million.
According to a report from Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have all shown an interest in signing FC Porto attacker Luis Diaz and have lodged an enquiry with the Portuguese giants over his availability.
Diaz spent the early parts of his career in his homeland of Colombia with Barranquilla FC and Junior FC before signing for Porto in the summer of 2019. During his two-and-a-half-year stint with the club, the versatile forward has chalked up 116 appearances, bagging 37 goals and 15 assists in the process.
Diaz put himself on the map with a stunning run during the Copa America 2021 campaign earlier this year. He finished as the joint top-scorer in the competition along with Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Following that, the 24-year-old has been in red-hot form for his club, having netted 12 times and created two more in 19 matches across all competitions.
Diaz’s rise over the past year has put him on the radars of several top clubs across Europe. Everton were heavily linked with a move for the Colombian international during the summer, but a move never materialised. They have continued to be credited with an interest in him, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea also joining the race.
Everton’s continued interest in the 24-year-old makes a great deal of sense as well, considering how badly they have struggled in the absence of key man Dominic Calvert-Lewin this term. With Richarlison also not performing at his best, the Toffees could certainly do with adding more quality to their attacking unit. And, Diaz, who can play on the flank or as a centre-forward, can be a handy signing.
As for Liverpool, the Reds are set to lose both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for a prolonged period at the turn of the year due to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving them with just Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota as frontline attacking options. Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are present at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, but they will need more quality to sustain their push for trophies on all fronts.
As for Chelsea’s interest in the Colombian, it could stem from the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Hakim Ziyech, who is linked with Barcelona, and Timo Werner, who is on the radars of Barca as well as Manchester United. With Christian Pulisic also underperforming, Thomas Tuchel could use another attacker to make a push for the Premier League title and retain their European crown.
To that end, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have all made enquiries with Porto over the availability of Diaz. The report also adds that Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also in the hunt for the Colombian, who is believed to have a release clause of €80 million. But the Portuguese outfit would be willing to enter negotiations if a fee of €50 million was offered.
What now remains to be seen is whether any of the interested parties are willing to match that valuation and make a swoop for Diaz come January 2022.
