Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy was left ‘fuming’ after Liverpool star Luis Diaz moved to Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League challengers instead, according to The Athletic.
Diaz’s remarkable impact at Anfield takes a sledgehammer to two tired old cliches.
Who says there is no value to be found in the January market? And who says players based in a, with all due respect, lesser European league cannot make an immediate impact in arguably the most star-studded division on the continent?
He’s scored five goals, produced a series of mesmerising performances, and was the catalyst for Liverpool’s comeback win away at Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final on Thursday night.
As Frank Sinatra said; ‘regrets, I’ve had a few’. Daniel Levy probably knows how he felt.
It’s no secret that Spurs missed out on the likes of Eden Hazard, Jack Grealish and Luis Suarez on Levy’s watch. And now you can add Diaz’s name to that lengthy list of superstars.
Liverpool star Luis Diaz in the form of his life
According to The Athletic, Liverpool were planning to leave Diaz on the backburner until the summer. That was, however, until Tottenham made their move in the lead up to the winter window, forcing Klopp and co to step up their pursuit of a player who has slotted in superbly alongside Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino in Liverpool’s star-studded frontline.
The report adds that talks with Spurs broke down after Diaz made it clear that he’d prefer the North West over North London. A decision that will most certainly be justified if the Colombia international ends up with ‘Ol Big Ears in his hands on May 28th in Paris.
Now, Levy is often accused by frustrated Spurs supporters of failing to put his money where his mouth is. But you couldn’t charge him with that this time around. The Athletic claims that Levy was willing to pay £37million plus another £13 in ‘guaranteed’ bonuses, only for Diaz to turn his nose up.
No wonder Levy was left ‘fuming’ with how things had panned out. A penny for his thoughts now, with Diaz firing Liverpool to within touching distance of yet another European crown.
“You can see that he’s got exceptional talent and he’s a top guy as well,” beams Liverpool team-mate Harvey Elliott.
“He’s, in my opinion, a world-class player. He’s only going to get better playing for Liverpool, playing in front of these fans.”
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