Arne Slot has confirmed Luis Diaz was left out of the pre-season friendly defeat to AC Milan due to interest from Bayern Munich, with Liverpool now braced for another bid from the Bundesliga champions. But the Reds boss confirmed Darwin Nunez’s absence was merely precautionary, saying he expects the striker to play a part in Japan against Yokohama Marinos next week.
Diaz did not play in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Rossoneri after talks between Liverpool and Bayern resumed earlier this week. After rejecting a bid of less than £60 million earlier this month, the German club is now expected to return with an improved offer. Diaz had initially hoped to open contract talks with Anfield officials on the back of a campaign that saw him score 17 goals across all competitions, but the Reds have no intention of extending the terms for the 28-year-old, who remains on the same deal he signed when he joined in January 2022.
“In Lucho’s case, it was [related to his future], yes,” Slot said following the game in Hong Kong. “There have been a lot of rumors about it lately, and I can’t go into detail. But he’s doing great in practice with us, so we’ve decided not to play him just yet.
Slot added, “Yes [I’ve spoken with Diaz], but I’m used to talking to the majority of my players on a regular basis. As I previously stated, Lucho is training extremely well, but we have decided that he is best not playing in games right now, and I cannot say much more than that. Does he want to leave? I’m not the person to ask.”
Liverpool had been hesitant to sell the former Porto winger and had previously rejected an offer from Barcelona this summer before Bayern’s interest was confirmed this month.