Liverpool’s Preseason Match Against AC Milan
Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot addressed the media regarding Luis Díaz‘s absence from the club’s recent preseason match against AC Milan, where they suffered a 4-2 loss. The decision not to include the Colombian forward was influenced by the ongoing transfer rumors surrounding him, with hints that he might be seeking a departure from Anfield this summer.
Transfer Rumors and Future Prospects
Sources close to the situation revealed to ESPN that Díaz is keen on leaving Liverpool and is awaiting a more substantial offer from Bayern Munich, following their initial rejection of a €67.5 million ($79.2 million) bid by the Premier League champions.
Despite being named in the 29-player roster for the club’s Asia tour, Díaz did not take part in Saturday’s clash, which took place in Hong Kong. Slot remarked,
“There are many rumors floating around him at the moment, and I can’t delve into those details.”
He continued to highlight Díaz’s commitment in training, stating,
“Lucho is training really well. Yet, at this point, we’ve made the choice not to include him in the games.”
Coaching Insights on Player Status
Regarding whether Díaz wishes to leave, Slot commented,
“I can’t provide clarity on that, as I’m not the right person to ask.”
Last season, Díaz delivered an impressive performance, netting 17 goals to play a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph. Nevertheless, reports indicate that the 28-year-old has expressed a desire to the club’s management for a transfer, with Barcelona also having had an offer turned down earlier in the summer.
Other Player Updates
Additionally, Slot mentioned that Darwin Núñez, another player who has attracted transfer speculation, missed the match due to fitness issues rather than those linked to negotiations.
“Darwin has been training well and performed notably in previous matches, but he was carrying an injury, and we opted not to risk him,”
Slot explained. Midfielder Wataru Endo was similarly held back for health reasons. Looking ahead, Slot anticipates that both players will be ready for their upcoming fixture against Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.
