Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has openly admitted he "misses" Luis Diaz at Anfield and would enthusiastically welcome the Bayern Munich forward back to the club. Diaz departed the Reds in the summer following three years of service, moving to the German champions for £65.5 million after negotiations over a new contract with the Premier League side collapsed.
Diaz's Impressive Bundesliga Form
Since his transfer, Diaz has enjoyed a highly positive first season in the Bundesliga, accumulating 40 goal involvements in just 39 appearances. He has formed a lethal attacking trio with Harry Kane and Michael Olise, even scoring in the first leg of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.
Liverpool's Struggles Without Diaz
Meanwhile, Liverpool have faced significant challenges this season, failing to adequately replace Diaz on the left flank of their attack under manager Arne Slot. This void has prompted Gerrard to express his desire for a reunion.
Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Bayern's Champions League match against Real Madrid, Gerrard stated: "I wouldn't mind Diaz back. I'm missing him, I'm missing him." His comments highlight the ongoing impact of Diaz's absence on the team's performance.
Gerrard's Interest in Michael Olise
Gerrard was initially discussing Michael Olise, who has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The French winger is in the form of his life at Bayern, part of that formidable front three, with 44 goal involvements in 40 games this season, including 16 goals.
With a contract extending until 2029, the 24-year-old would command a substantial transfer fee. However, Gerrard is keen for Liverpool to invest. He explained: "When you are a full back up against a winger, they normally have a weak side and you show them one way or another. The problem with him is he can go both ways - his right foot is just as strong as his left."
Gerrard added: "You see some of the assists he gets. If you leave him in 1v1 situations, you are in trouble." When asked if he would take Olise at Liverpool, he responded: "All day long. But the problem is, why would he leave Bayern? Big club challenging for the big honours and they are probably the strongest Bayern team we have seen for a while."
Transfer Speculation and Bayern's Stance
Reports from Germany suggest Liverpool are prepared to offer £173 million to sign Olise, with Real Madrid ready to bid £143 million to strengthen their attack. Despite this interest, Bayern Munich remain adamant that their star player is not for sale.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told German publication BILD: "We're not even considering that. He's an FC Bayern player and has all the opportunities here that top players could wish for." CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen reinforced this position, stating: "No matter which club tries to lure him away, anyone who plays for FC Bayern knows what they have at FC Bayern."
Gerrard concluded by praising Olise's current situation: "He is about to take the World Cup by storm. He looks like a really happy kid - settled, to me - and I don't think he's going anywhere. But would I take him at Liverpool? Yes, I would love him." This underscores the complex dynamics of potential transfers amid Liverpool's search for attacking reinforcements.
