Bayern looks to Diaz to boost firepower

MUNICH — Bayern Munich on Wednesday signed forward Luis Diaz from Premier League champion Liverpool for a fee that could reportedly rise to 75 million euros ($86.5 million).

The Colombian winger, who won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups during his three-and-a-half years at Anfield, has signed a contract with the Bundesliga champion until 2029.

The fee paid for Diaz, which includes add-ons, is the third-highest in Bayern's history.

Diaz, 28, said in a statement on the club's website that he was "very happy" to be joining the 34-time German champion.

"It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern. They're one of the biggest clubs in the world," he said.

"I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character.

"My goal is to win every possible title, and that's what we'll work for every day as a team."

Writing on Instagram, Diaz said he would "treasure forever" his time at Liverpool, adding that he was "proud of everything we achieved together".

He mentioned his late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain last month.

"I carry everyone with me in my heart, but one of them in particular: Diogo (Jota). I will never forget him. We will never forget him. Thank you for everything."

Portugal forward Jota showed his support for Diaz when the Colombian's father was kidnapped in October 2023, holding up a shirt bearing his teammate's name after scoring a goal.

Diaz's father was snatched by rebels in his hometown of Barrancas and held hostage for 12 days, before being released unharmed.

The winger made 50 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists, as Arne Slot's team clinched the English league title for a record-equaling 20th time.

Diaz, who arrived at Anfield from Porto in January 2022, was the club's second-leading goalscorer in the Premier League behind Mohamed Salah, scoring 13 times.

His arrival gives Bayern a quality replacement for Germany forward Jamal Musiala, who has been ruled out for a "long period" after suffering a broken leg at the recent Club World Cup.

Bayern needed extra firepower after veteran Thomas Muller left the club, and Leroy Sane moved to Turkish giant Galatasaray.

"Luis creates a real goal threat and is a scorer, who, at the same time, works incredibly hard for his team," said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund.

"He's a quick, versatile footballer, and brings an intense style of play to the game. He's also gained a lot of experience at the top level with Liverpool and the Colombian national team. Luis Diaz represents a complete package that will thrill our fans."

The only two bigger transfer fees paid by Bayern were 95 million euros for England captain Harry Kane in 2023 and 80 million for French international Lucas Hernandez in 2019.

Diaz trained with his new teammates and coach Vincent Kompany for the first time in Munich on Wednesday and could face French side Lyon in a friendly this weekend.

Sunderland signs Xhaka

Premier League newcomer Sunderland on Wednesday announced the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of 17.3 million pounds ($23 million).

The 32-year-old Swiss international, who previously captained Arsenal, has signed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Xhaka left the Gunners in 2023 and won the Bundesliga and German Cup with Leverkusen during his spell at the club.

"I'm very proud to be here," he said. "When I spoke to the club, I was excited, and I felt the energy and the mentality that all the people and players have.

"It's exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history."

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said he was delighted that Xhaka had joined.

"His arrival is a significant endorsement of our ambition and our desire to build a team that our supporters can be proud of in the Premier League," he said.

"His accomplishments and quality need little introduction — he's a player of the highest caliber, on and off the field, who we feel is perfect to match the profile required by our team."

Xhaka's switch to Sunderland is the latest signing in a busy transfer window for the club, promoted to the Premier League in May via the Championship play-offs.

Sunderland opens its Premier League campaign on Aug 16 at home against West Ham.

AFP