Bayern Munich is actively seeking a replacement for Leroy Sané this summer and, in addition to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, has reportedly identified Reds teammate Luis Díaz as a potential target.
Bayern was eager to extend Sané’s contract following his most successful scoring season in the Bundesliga; however, they were unable to reach an agreement with the German international, who has since committed to a three-year deal with Galatasaray.
His departure is expected to be confirmed after the Club World Cup.
Vincent Kompany’s team was already looking for a new winger prior to Sané’s contract rejection, and the imminent exit of the German player has only intensified the club’s need to strengthen their attacking options.
The Bundesliga champions have been associated with numerous potential signings.
After losing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, names such as Gakpo and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams have emerged as targets, and now BILD reports that their search for an alternative attacking option has brought them to Díaz.
The outlet speculates on whether Liverpool must part with a few borderline key assets to enable the record-breaking acquisition of Wirtz.
In particular, Díaz has been viewed as a talent that the Reds might be prepared to release for the appropriate price. Gakpo is less likely to be sold, but it is reported that the Dutchman is ‘firmly in the sights’ of Bayern director Max Eberl.
Bayern had been interested in signing Wirtz, and they would undoubtedly feel the sting of the German’s choice to join Liverpool, given their history of acquiring the Bundesliga’s top talents.
Díaz has also attracted the attention of Barcelona, who share similar transfer objectives with Bayern and appear to be pursuing the same players.
Barça attempted to persuade Liverpool to lower their valuation of the Colombian, which was estimated to be around €80 million (£68.3 million, $107.7 million) at the season’s conclusion.
Reports have indicated that the Reds are now open to accepting €60 million (£51.2 million, $68.9 million) for him this summer.
Additionally, Bradley Barcola, Jamie Gittens, and Gabriel Martinelli have been mentioned as wingers of interest to Bayern.