From inside Bayern, there is quiet recognition that the Luis Díaz transfer was orchestrated entirely on Liverpool’s terms, with Bayern left to follow along. Richard Hughes controlled the negotiations from start to finish, setting the framework early and never letting go of the upper hand. On Bayern’s side, Jan-Christian Dreesen led the talks but lacked the authority, leverage, or instinct to shape the deal in any meaningful way.
Hughes quickly secured clear signals from the Díaz entourage that the player would be open to a move to Saudi Arabia in the near future. Armed with that assurance, Liverpool insisted on a significant sell-on clause that would allow them to benefit substantially from any future transfer. Bayern, facing internal pressure to deliver a name and lacking serious alternatives, accepted the structure as it was presented.
The final agreement includes a base fee of 72 million euros, with a further 9 million in add-ons that are considered so easily achievable that the full 81 million is already being treated as a formality. With the sell-on clause factored in, the total fee Liverpool could receive may rise to 95 or even 100 million euros if a high-value transfer occurs, which is viewed internally as a likely outcome.
Inside Bayern, there is no denial of how the deal played out. While the move is being presented publicly as a strong signing, those involved know exactly how the negotiations unfolded. Liverpool dictated the terms, protected their future interests, and extracted maximum value. Bayern, on the other hand, paid heavily, agreed to a structure they did not design, and came away with a player who may already be positioned for resale.
It was, in every sense, a deal done on Liverpool’s terms.
