German outlet BILD (via SPORT) has detailed how Bayern Munich successfully secured the signing of Luis Diaz, a player Barcelona had made their top priority to strengthen the winger position this summer.
For weeks, Barça believed they were in a strong position to land the Colombian, confident that the player wanted the move and that a deal could be struck for around €65 million. However, things took an unexpected turn.
According to reports, Bayern were already certain by mid-June that they would get Diaz, with the player outright rejecting Barcelona to commit to the Bundesliga giants.
At that point, there was no longer any possibility for the Catalans to bring him in.
Bayern waited for the opportunity
Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, played a decisive role in the transfer. Reports claim he even left the Club World Cup midway to push the deal forward.
While Bayern initially explored other winger options, including Nico Williams, they ultimately decided Diaz was the perfect fit.
In mid-June, Eberl held a video conference with the Liverpool forward, during which Diaz gave his word to join Bayern, effectively closing the door on Barcelona.
The agreement was settled in principle, with only negotiations with Liverpool left to finalise.
Barcelona left without options
Ironically, this was the same period when Barcelona intensified their pursuit of Nico Williams.
The meeting between Nico’s agent and Deco made headlines, and Diaz’s case was temporarily put aside. Bayern seized this opening, tying Diaz down to a four-year contract.
By July, when Nico decided to renew with Athletic Club, Barcelona’s chances of signing Diaz were long gone.
With few alternatives left, Deco turned his attention to securing a loan move for Marcus Rashford, who was the only realistic option to reinforce the flanks before the transfer window closed.
Bayern’s decisive and well-timed approach meant Barcelona never truly stood a chance once the German side stepped in.
Barcauniversal.com
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