Luis Diaz, the 29-year-old Liverpool winger, is reportedly considering a move to AC Milan as his future at Anfield becomes increasingly uncertain following a breakdown in contract negotiations. According to reports from TeamTalk, the Colombian international has expressed a specific interest in the Serie A giants, with his current deal set to enter its final 12 months in 2026. While Diaz remains a frequent starter under Arne Slot, his position as one of the club's lowest-paid senior attackers—earning approximately £55,000 per week—has created a widening gap between his squad importance and his financial terms.
Contract tension and Liverpool’s valuation
Liverpool originally signed Diaz from FC Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37.5 million, a fee that has since proven to be bargain business given his transitional impact. However, the club now faces a delicate calculation regarding his market value. Previous interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona saw Liverpool value the winger between £65 million and £75 million. With no resolution on a new deal, the hierarchy may be forced to entertain bids this summer rather than risk his valuation plummeting as he nears the end of his contract in June 2027. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo previously, Diaz maintained he was "very happy and calm" at the club, but the lack of a wage correction to match fellow forwards like Darwin Núñez or Cody Gakpo continues to fuel exit rumours.
Tactical shifts and the San Siro vacancy
The link to AC Milan coincides with ongoing speculation regarding the future of Rafael Leão. Reports from Football365 suggest Milan are internally planning for life after Leão, with Diaz viewed as a direct profile replacement on the left flank. For Liverpool, the move could facilitate a broader squad refresh; Slot has already begun tactically evolving the front line, occasionally preferring the central versatility of Gakpo or the explosive directness of Núñez over Diaz’s high-volume dribbling style. If Milan formalise their interest, Liverpool could leverage the situation to target Leão as a potential replacement, though any deal would likely require Milan to meet the £65 million threshold Liverpool established during earlier enquiries from Barcelona sporting director Deco.
The situation is expected to accelerate once the summer window opens and Milan determine the finality of their own outgoing business.