Diaz Dropped from Milan Squad Amid Transfer Rumors

Luis Diaz Left Out of Milan Clash as Liverpool Boss Addresses Transfer Buzz

HONG KONG (ShugalNews) — Liverpool forward Luis Diaz was left out of the squad that faced AC Milan in a high-profile friendly on Friday, with head coach Arne Slot confirming that the Colombian star’s absence is due to growing speculation about a possible transfer move this summer.

Diaz, who played a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign in 2024–25, is now at the center of mounting rumors linking him to Bayern Munich. Earlier this month, Liverpool reportedly rejected a £58 million bid from the German giants. Diaz’s current contract runs until 2027, but his future appears increasingly uncertain.

“There are a lot of rumours around Luis lately and I cannot go into that,” Slot said during the post-match press conference in Hong Kong. “He’s training really well, but we have decided for now not to play him.”

While Slot clarified that Darwin Nunez missed the match due to injury, he was more direct about Diaz, confirming the winger’s exclusion was “due to speculation on his future.”

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic — Diaz’s omission came during Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium, where Liverpool ultimately fell 4-2 in a thrilling contest that saw both defensive lapses and attacking promise.

🔥 Diaz Out, Wirtz In

With Diaz and Nunez both unavailable, Liverpool’s new record signing, Florian Wirtz, made his first start since joining for a massive £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen. The German playmaker took on a surprising false nine role, flanked by club legend Mohamed Salah and 16-year-old rising star Rio Ngumoha.

Wirtz’s intelligent movement, quick feet, and sharp decision-making lit up the first half. Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his chemistry with the front line was promising. Fans were disappointed to see him subbed off at halftime, but they were also treated to first looks at new full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

💐 Tributes to Jota

Before kickoff, an emotional moment unfolded as Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a recent car crash in Spain. Players wore tribute kits with “Diogo J 20” printed on the back.

⚽ Match Recap

Liverpool dominated early possession, but it was Milan who struck first through Rafael Leao, taking advantage of a defensive lapse. Dominik Szoboszlai quickly answered with a stunning curler into the top corner to level the score.

But the second half exposed Liverpool’s defensive issues. With key defender Joe Gomez flying back to England for Achilles treatment, and Jarell Quansah already sold to Leverkusen, the Reds looked shaky. Makeshift pairings — including Ryan Gravenberch as a center-back — struggled to keep Milan at bay. Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and a Noah Okafor brace sealed the win for the Italian side, despite a late header from Cody Gakpo.

A mix-up between goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to net his second and Milan’s fourth.

🛡️ Defensive Concerns Mount

Slot downplayed fears about the team’s thin defense, insisting that players like Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can offer cover at the back. Still, Liverpool are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace’s England international Marc Guehi, and Gomez’s injury may accelerate the push for a new signing.

“We’ve got options,” said Slot. “Ryan did well in defense today, though we prefer him in midfield. We’ll assess things further.”

🇯🇵 What’s Next?

Liverpool now travel to Japan for their next pre-season clash against Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday. All eyes will be on whether Diaz rejoins the squad — or if his omission marks the beginning of the end of his Anfield chapter.

With the transfer window heating up, and Bayern lurking, Diaz’s future will be one of the summer’s hottest storylines. For now, Liverpool fans will be watching closely — and refreshing their feeds.

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