By Betsefy
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has affirmed that he “could not be happier” after the Reds confirmed the signing of Luis Diaz from Porto.
The 25-year-old has penned a long-term deal with the Reds for a fee which could potentially rise up to £50m with add-ons, snubbing interest from Tottenham Hotspur to move to Merseyside.
Diaz will add competition to the attacking line as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane‘s futures remain unsolved, and Klopp has welcomed the arrival of the “outstanding” Colombian.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said: “I could not be happier that we’ve been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool.
“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 skilful 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.
“We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators.
“We also have to say thank you to the Colombia FA for being so helpful in allowing us the time to complete this deal. They have a big game on Tuesday and I know as well as anyone how important preparation is for matches, so for them to allow us a few hours to finalise the transfer without impacting their training was greatly appreciated.
“I also must make clear my appreciation to our ownership and football operations team for how they have managed to act so decisively to get this done. Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.”
Diaz leaves Porto after registering 41 goals and 19 assists in 125 appearances for the Portuguese giants, including 14 goals and five assists in 19 Primeira Liga appearances this term.
