Bayern Munich Targets Luis Diaz in $169M Double Transfer After Florian Wirtz Setback

Bayern Munich is reportedly preparing a significant push to sign Liverpool’s star winger Luis Diaz as part of a potential €150 million ($169 million) double transfer, alongside VfB Stuttgart’s striker Nick Woltemade, following their failure to secure Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. The German club’s transfer strategy has shifted after Liverpool secured Wirtz in a record-breaking €150 million deal, leaving Bayern with substantial funds to bolster their attacking options.

The Florian Wirtz Setback

Bayern Munich had prioritized signing Florian Wirtz, the 22-year-old German playmaker, to strengthen their midfield for the 2025/26 season. The club was prepared to spend up to €175 million (£130 million) to secure Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with negotiations involving key figures like sporting director Max Eberl and coach Vincent Kompany. However, Wirtz opted for Liverpool, signing a contract until 2030 with a reported €20 million annual salary, plus bonuses, in a deal finalized on June 20, 2025. The transfer, which included an initial €134 million fee and €21 million in add-ons, marked a British-record move and a significant blow to Bayern’s ambitions.

Bayern’s president Herbert Hainer acknowledged the setback, noting Wirtz’s preference for Liverpool, while Eberl admitted the club couldn’t match Liverpool’s financial package. Wirtz’s decision was influenced by Liverpool’s offer of a guaranteed number 10 role, unlike Bayern, where he would have shared creative duties with Jamal Musiala. The funds allocated for Wirtz, initially considered “special funds” for a transformative signing, have now been redirected to other targets, though Bayern has emphasized fiscal restraint.

Luis Diaz: Bayern’s New Priority

With Wirtz off the table and the departure of winger Leroy Sané to Galatasaray on a free transfer, Bayern has turned its attention to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. The 28-year-old Colombian international, who scored 17 goals across all competitions in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League-winning season, is seen as a “star-quality” left winger to fill the void in Vincent Kompany’s 4-2-4 system. Bayern has already made two bids for Diaz—€50 million (£45 million) and €67.5 million (£58 million)—both rejected by Liverpool, who value him at €80–100 million (£69–86 million).

Reports from Bild and The Athletic indicate that Diaz has expressed openness to leaving Liverpool if an “exciting offer” arrives, with Bayern as his top suitor. Posts on X, including from @Plettigoal and @TheAnfieldBuzz, suggest Diaz has informed Bayern of his interest, though no formal agreement exists between the clubs. Liverpool’s reluctance to negotiate a new contract with Diaz, whose current deal runs until June 2027, has fueled speculation. The club’s acquisition of Wirtz and other signings, such as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, could prompt Liverpool to consider offers to maximize Diaz’s resale value, especially as manager Arne Slot reshapes the squad.

The Double Transfer Plan

Bayern’s transfer budget, bolstered by the unspent Wirtz funds, has also led to interest in VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a 23-year-old striker. Bayern’s initial €50 million bid (plus add-ons) for Woltemade was rejected, with Stuttgart holding out for €65 million. The combined cost for Diaz and Woltemade could exceed €150 million, with Liverpool potentially open to talks for Diaz at €80 million and Stuttgart negotiable at €60–65 million. The duo is seen as a way to replicate Wirtz’s potential impact, with Diaz providing flair on the wing and Woltemade adding depth up top.

However, Bayern fans have expressed skepticism, with some questioning Diaz’s fit compared to Sané and criticizing the board’s strategy after missing out on Wirtz and Nico Williams, who chose Barcelona. A post from @BayernTalente on X, garnering over 1,800 likes, highlighted doubts about Diaz’s role in Kompany’s system, reflecting broader fan frustration.

Liverpool’s Perspective

For Liverpool, retaining Diaz is ideal, but his desire for a new challenge and the club’s financial gains from Wirtz and other sales (e.g., Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah) could make a high offer tempting. A €80 million transfer for Diaz would recoup over half of Liverpool’s Wirtz expenditure, aligning with their strategy to balance the books after signing players like Hugo Ekitike and Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, Slot has publicly dismissed speculation about Diaz’s departure, emphasizing his importance alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

Outlook

Bayern’s pursuit of Diaz and Woltemade signals an aggressive push to recover from the Wirtz setback, with their financial flexibility giving them leverage in negotiations. While Liverpool remains firm, Diaz’s openness to a move and Bayern’s €150 million war chest keep the door ajar for a deal. As the transfer window progresses, Bayern’s next bid—potentially nearing €80 million for Diaz—could test Liverpool’s resolve, with negotiations expected to intensify before the August 2025 deadline. The outcome will shape both clubs’ attacking lineups for the 2025/26 season and could redefine Bayern’s transfer strategy under Eberl.