Why Liverpool signed Luis Diaz
Robin Bairner
- 30 Jan 2022 14:43 GMT
- 5 min read
Luis Diaz completed his €54 million move from Porto to Liverpool on Sunday, and Jurgen Klopp has explained why he was so eager to sign the attacker.
Diaz has joined the Reds on what has been described as a “long-term contract”, with reports suggesting that it will keep him with the club until June 2027.
Liverpool signed the winger this January after interest from Tottenham pressed them into a move when they were initially seeking to make a switch in the summer.
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Klopp hails fighter Diaz
Klopp, meanwhile, explained why he feels that the Colombia international can enhance Liverpool, a club that has been prudent in recent transfer windows.
“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time,” Klopp told the club’s official website.
“We believe he has everything needed to fit into our way and adapt to the Premier League, both physically and mentally. He is a player who is hungry for success and knows you have to fight to get what you want. He is a fighter, no doubt. He’s a skilful team player who has always the goal in mind.
“This team deserved to add quality and when we played against Luis earlier this season, we saw what a danger he is, how fast he is and how his mentality was to help his team.
“Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and the board have made it happen, so I am very happy.”
Salah insurance?
Furthermore, Liverpool needed to futureproof their squad, which has not seen significant investment in recent times. The established front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will all be 30 by the summer – and there are still wrangles over the Egypt international star’s contract.
Not only does Luis Diaz offer some insurance to Liverpool if Salah leaves, but his arrival could also be seen as a sign of Liverpool’s ambition that could persuade the superstar to pen a new contract.
Luis Diaz’s numbers this season have been impressive with Porto. In 24 Champions League and top-flight appearances, he has scored 16 goals and offered five more assists, earning a reputation as being both the best player in Portugal and the best Colombian.
Liverpool will hope Diaz can continue such form at Anfield when he joins up with the squad following the international break.
