Liverpool make their first signing of 2022

The Premier League giants have won the €45 million race for FC Porto winger Luis Diaz.

Liverpool have signed Colombian winger Luis Diaz from Portuguese side FC Porto.

The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Merseyside club until June 2027. His transfer fee is said to be worth €45 million (£37.5m), plus a potential €15m (£12.5m) in bonuses.

Diaz will don the No.23 jersey at Anfield but, until his work permit is approved, he may not arrive in Liverpool until the end of next week at the earliest.

A message from our new Red 😍 #VamosLuis pic.twitter.com/Be82uaW5wq

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2022

Klopp thrilled with his new signing of 2022

Speaking to the club’s website, Jurgen Klopp hailed his Diaz and explained why he went out on a limb to beat Tottenham to the star’s signature.

“I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool,” said the Reds manager.

“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 skillful 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.

To complete a deal before Monday’s transfer deadline, Liverpool sent a delegation to Argentina to oversee a medical.

Diaz is currently on international duty ahead of Colombia’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Wednesday morning.