late move Inside story on why Liverpool changed their plans to swoop for Luis Diaz

Tottenham's pursuit of the Colombian winger forced Liverpool chiefs to make their move in this transfer window.

Luis Diaz celebrates scoring against Manchester City in the Champions League (Laurence Griffiths/PA)

January 28 2022 11:39 AM

It was a transfer that failed to materialise last summer and now Liverpool have changed their plans in their pursuit of Luis Diaz.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the club's players recruitment team identified 25-year-old Porto winger Diaz as a primary transfer target last summer, with initial approaches coming to nothing as Porto's asking price forced the Anfield club to consider their options.

While Diaz was a name on the shortlist of transfer options this summer, Tottenham's pursuit of the Colombian winger forced Liverpool chiefs to make their move in this transfer window.

Now it looks like the deal to bring Diaz to Anfield is close to being confirmed, with the player who is currently on international duty likely to have a Liverpool medical in South America to ensure he is signed ahead of next Monday's transfer deadline.

Liverpool are believed to to be offering an initial £37m, with bonuses included in the deal that will only be triggered if Diaz becomes a big success at Anfield.

Diaz's decision to join Liverpool is a hammer blow to Tottenham, who believed they were in pole position to sign the player.

Liverpool made their move for Luis Diaz last summer but the price tag was too much… now Spurs are close to getting him and that stance might change. He would be perfect for Liverpool #LFC #THFC pic.twitter.com/8DgNdeaXln
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) January 28, 2022

Yet they were never likely to compete with Champions League contenders Liverpool when they made their move.

Diaz's arrival is likely to be followed by an exit for striker Takumi Minamino, with Leeds and Monaco among the clubs trying to negotiate a deal to sign the Japanese international.