Saudi club submits €70m opening bid for Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz | OneFootball

L’Équipe reports that Saudi club Al-Hilal SFC has tendered a €70m-offer for Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz. The German record champions signed the Colombian international away from Liverpool for €75m only last summer. In one year spent playing for his Bundesliga club, Diaz scored 26 goals and 23 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions. The French publication notes that the Saudi outfit’s offer is meant to be an introductory means of getting a foot in the door with the German giants. 

Will Bayern actually consider selling Luis Diaz?

Given the 29-year-old’s importance to the team, one would think that Diaz counts as unsellable. One important factor could nevertheless shift the calculus. The player himself may seek a change of scenery and a new challenge, not to mention a hefty pay raise as part of a move to the Arabian Peninsula. A Diaz sale still isn’t likely when one considers the fact that purchases of Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari leave Bayern with an estimated €68.7m summer transfer deficit.

Selling Diaz would offset the deficit, yet leave the Bavarians without adequate funds to procure a replacement. In this context, it matters little that the transfer window remains open for another five weeks. Arijon Ibrahimovic – recently returned from a loan stint with relegated Heidenheim – is earmarked as Diaz’s longer-term replacement, but the 20-year-old likely requires another year (and potentially another developmental loan) before he can hope to fill Diaz’s large boots.

GGFN | Peter Weis