Deco reveals: Why Barça missed out on Diaz while Bayern swooped in | OneFootball

Before his move to FC Bayern, Luis Díaz was a hot candidate at FC Barcelona. Sporting director Deco now explains why the deal with FC Liverpool failed - and why Bayern ended up getting the nod.

Barcelona was looking for an offensive force in the summer, one that could be flexibly deployed on the left wing and in the center. Luis Díaz fit this profile perfectly. But despite concrete negotiations, a deal was not concluded. "Luis Díaz fit into the team, Rashford fit into the team, and then it's a matter of negotiations," Deco explained in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

While Marcus Rashford ultimately came on loan from Manchester United, Liverpool blocked the Colombian from the start. "The transfer of Luis was ultimately impossible," said Deco. "Liverpool acted quite tough from the start."

Bayern instead of Barça - and that with a mega sum

Photo: IMAGO

The reasons for the failed deal are clear: The Catalans were financially unable to meet the Reds' demands. FC Bayern, on the other hand, showed more determination - and transferred around 70 million euros to Liverpool to bring Díaz to Munich. There, the 28-year-old has established himself immediately: In nine competitive matches, he scored four goals and assisted three more. Not only are Bayern thrilled with Diaz, but the Colombian has also repeatedly emphasized how happy he is with the German record champion.

Barça had to settle for the Rashford loan, for which a purchase option of 30 million euros exists at the end of the season. The Englishman has so far scored two goals and four assists.

Deco stressed, however, that it was not about "Plan A or Plan B": "We were clear about who we could let go and who not. And that we wanted to improve in certain areas, if possible." For the Catalans, Díaz was thus a desired player - for Bayern, he became the king transfer.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.