Confirmed: Liverpool announce signing of Luis Diaz from Porto on ‘long term contract’

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 25-year old attacking midfielder Luis Diaz on a long term contract from FC Porto.

The fee is reportedly for an initial £37 million, potentially rising to £49 million if add-ons are triggered.

The Reds were first linked with the player earlier this month after he caught the eye of supporters with his performances against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League this season.

The player requires a work permit to enter the UK and is unlikely to arrive in Liverpool until the end of next week so may not be available in time for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

“An outstanding player” - Jurgen Klopp hails new signing Diaz

Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp spoke to the Anfield side’s official club website after the signing of Diaz was confirmed.

He said: “I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool.

“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.

“We also have to say thank you to the Colombia FA for being so helpful in allowing us the time to complete this deal. They have a big game on Tuesday and I know as well as anyone how important preparation is for matches, so for them to allow us a few hours to finalise the transfer without impacting their training was greatly appreciated.#

“I also must make clear my appreciation to our ownership and football operations team for how they have managed to act so decisively to get this done.

“Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.”

Who is Luis Diaz? New Liverpool signings background

Luis Diaz is a 25-year old winger/attacking midfielder who played for FC Porto in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and Champions League this season.

The current Primeria Liga leaders signed the player from Club Deportivo Popular Junior in his native Colombia in 2019 and he has been in impressive form ever since, making 129 appearances in all competitions and scoring 39 goals.

While with Junior, who signed Diaz from Colombian second tier side Barranquilla Fútbol Club in 2017, he won the Categoría Primera A title in 2018 and 2019, the Copa Colombia in 2017 and the Superliga Colombiana in 2019.

Diaz was also part of the Porto sides who won the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2020.

The winger made his senior debut for the Colombian men’s national side against Argentina in 2018 and has gone on to win 31 caps and score seven goals for his country.

At the 2021 Copa America, Diaz won the Golden Boot award with four goals at the tournament as he scored a brace against Peru and one each against Brazil and Argentina.

Diaz has been in incredible form for Porto this season, making 29 appearances and scoring 19 goals across all competitions.