Steven Gerrard Expresses Desire for Luis Diaz to Return to Liverpool
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has openly expressed his longing for Luis Diaz to return to Anfield. The former Reds forward, who left the club in the summer of 2023 after three years of service, has since joined Bayern Munich for a reported £65.5 million. Despite his departure, Gerrard believes the club is missing Diaz’s contributions and would love to see him back.
Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich came after he and Liverpool failed to agree on a new contract. Since then, the Colombian striker has had a successful first season in the Bundesliga, amassing 40 goal involvements in just 39 games. He has become an integral part of Bayern’s lethal front three alongside Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Recently, he helped his team take a 1-0 lead in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, have struggled this season, particularly in replacing Diaz on the left side of their attack. Gerrard, speaking on TNT Sports ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, admitted he misses the player. “I wouldn’t mind Diaz back. I’m missing him, I’m missing him,” he said.
Gerrard was initially discussing Michael Olise, who has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave the club this summer. 
The Frenchman has been in exceptional form at Bayern Munich, contributing 44 goal involvements in 40 games this season, including 16 goals. With a contract that runs until 2029, Olise would be a costly acquisition, but Gerrard is eager to see Liverpool make the move.
” When you are a full back up against a winger, they normally have a weak side and you show them one way or another,” Gerrard explained. “The problem with him is he can go both ways – his right foot is just as strong as his left. You see some of the assists he gets. If you leave him in 1-v-1 situations, you are in trouble.”
When asked if he would take Olise at Liverpool, Gerrard responded positively. “All day long. But the problem is, why would he leave Bayern? A big club challenging for the big honours and they are probably the strongest Bayern team we have seen for a while. 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.”
Reports suggest that Liverpool is willing to offer £173 million to sign the former Crystal Palace star, while Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested, ready to bid £143 million to strengthen their attack. However, Bayern Munich has made it clear that they have no intention of selling Olise.
“We’re not even considering that,” Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told German publication BILD. “He’s an FC Bayern player and has all the opportunities here that top players could wish for.”
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen added, “No matter which club tries to lure him away, anyone who plays for FC Bayern knows what they have at FC Bayern.”
