liverpool’s Luis Diaz was notably absent from their recent friendly match against AC Milan in hong kong, a decision manager Arne Slot attributed to “speculation on his future.” The Premier League champions reportedly rejected a £58 million offer from Bayern Munich for the Colombian winger earlier this month. diaz’s current contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer of 2027.
Slot confirmed that while Darwin Nunez missed the game due to an injury, Diaz’s omission was a purposeful choice amidst ongoing transfer rumors. “There are a lot of rumours around Luis lately and I cannot go into that,” Slot stated. “He’s training realy well but we have decided for now not to play him.”
This development comes as Liverpool continues to strengthen its attacking options, having already secured the signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike this summer. The club is also reportedly pursuing Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for an initial fee of £37 million and played a critically important role in the team’s 2024-25 Premier League title victory.
The match against AC milan also marked the first start for Liverpool’s record signing, Wirtz, at the sold-out Kai Tak Stadium. The pre-match proceedings included a tribute to former Liverpool player Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away earlier this month in a car accident. Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath, and the players wore shirts bearing “Diogo J 20” in his memory.
In the game itself, AC Milan took the led through Rafael Leao’s strike. Dominik Szoboszlai equalized for Liverpool with a well-placed shot. However, Milan regained their advantage early in the second half via Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah okafor extended their lead. Cody Gakpo managed to pull a goal back for Liverpool in added time, but Okafor scored his second of the match following a defensive mix-up. Liverpool’s new goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, was in goal for the match.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour will continue with a match against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday.
