Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

‘He has everything’ – Klopp explains how ‘fighter’ Luis Diaz fits ethos as Liverpool transfer confirmed

Luis Diaz Porto January 2022

Liverpool have announced the signing of winger Luis Diaz from FC Porto on a long-term contract, much to the delight of Jurgen Klopp.

It has been a key task for Liverpool to find more depth in attack throughout the transfer window. It recently became clear that they were focusing on Colombian winger Diaz.

He enjoyed a positive 2021, in which he was the joint-top scorer at the Copa America along with Lionel Messi. A move to a bigger European league soon beckoned.

Tottenham tried to take him after making an approach to Porto. But Liverpool quickly overtook them in the transfer battle. Now, they have won the race.

Diaz has signed a long-term deal with Liverpool after completing a medical. The new number 23 will join up with his new teammates after his international duties with Colombia.

He will add a new element to an attack that already comprises Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, along with a couple of backup options.

The 25-year-old’s first message as a Liverpool player was a simple one. In a short video, he said: “I am very happy to have signed for Liverpool.”

But his new manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed his own enthusiasm about the done deal.

“I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool,” Klopp told the club’s official website.

“I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer. And that’s very much the case with Luis.

“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time.

Luis Diaz FC Porto

“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.

Klopp thanks Porto and Colombia for Luis Diaz deal

“This team deserved to add quality and when we played against Luis earlier this season [in the Champions League], we saw what a danger he is, how fast he is and how his mentality was to help his team.

“We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators.

“We also have to say thank you to the Colombia FA for being so helpful in allowing us the time to complete this deal. They have a big game on Tuesday and I know as well as anyone how important preparation is for matches. So for them to allow us a few hours to finalise the transfer without impacting their training was greatly appreciated.

“I also must make clear my appreciation to our ownership and football operations team for how they have managed to act so decisively to get this done.

“Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.”

The transfer is subject to international clearance and a work permit. Diaz will hope to carry his form from Portugal after scoring 14 goals from 18 league games this season.

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