Liverpool confirm Luis Diaz signing.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Colombian forward Luis Diaz, subject to a work permit and international clearance.
The 25-year-old arrives from FC Porto, the club for whom he scored 41 goals in 125 appearances across two-and-a-half seasons.
Liverpool statement.
The Anfield outfit confirmed the signing of Diaz on Sunday, with a statement which says:
“Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto, subject to the successful granting of a work permit and international clearance.
“The 25-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Reds after passing a medical and finalising personal terms.
“Diaz will arrive on Merseyside once he has completed international duty with Colombia, who face Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Cordoba on Tuesday evening.”
We have completed the signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto, subject to the successful granting of a work permit and international clearance ✍️? #VamosLuis
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2022
Luis Diaz at Porto.
While at Porto, Diaz helped the club to league and cup double in 2019/20 but it is the current campaign that has seen him really spring to prominence.
Diaz has scored 14 goals in just 18 Primeira League appearances and has already had the experience of playing at Anfield this season, in a 2-0 Champions League defeat Porto back in November.
On the international front, Diaz was the joint top scorer with Lionel Messi at last summer’s Copa America and was also named in the Team of the Tournament, while taking home the ‘Tournament Revelation’ prize.
Overall, Diaz has played 32 times for Colombia since his 2018 debut and scored seven goals along the way.
?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? #VamosLuis pic.twitter.com/0WSLEgOHLf
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2022
Jurgen Klopp: “Diaz is outstanding.”
“I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool,” Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said.
“I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that’s very much the case with Luis.
“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time.
“We believe he has everything needed to fit into our way and adapt to the Premier League, both physically and mentally. He is a player who is hungry for success and knows you have to fight to get what you want. He is a fighter, no doubt. He’s a skilful team player who has always the goal in mind.
“This team deserved to add quality and when we played against Luis earlier this season, we saw what a danger he is, how fast he is and how his mentality was to help his team.
“We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators.”
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Assuming there are no work permit issues, Diaz could be in line to make his Liverpool debut when they come up against Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round next Sunday.
Liverpool have confirmed that Diaz will wear the #23 squad number last worn by Xherdan Shaqiri before his move to Lyon.