Latest news with #DidiHamann
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool legend questions Bayern move for Diaz
Liverpool Stand Firm as Bayern's Diaz Pursuit Sparks Criticism Bayern's gamble on Diaz triggers sharp response In a summer market already tilting toward the chaotic, Bayern Munich's £58.6 million bid for Liverpool's Luis Diaz has landed like a thunderclap. The Bundesliga champions — eager to replenish their attacking ranks — thought they had found a solution in the Colombian winger. But Liverpool's answer was firm: not for sale. Diaz, now 28 and entering his prime years, has reportedly voiced some uncertainty about his long-term future at Anfield. 'We're talking,' he admitted during Colombia's recent international break, acknowledging discussions with other clubs and describing his future as being 'in the club's hands.' Yet for all the speculation, the Reds remain unmoved. Arne Slot views him as essential to his plans and Liverpool, Premier League champions once more, are not in the business of selling starters — certainly not without an offer that would shift the tectonic plates. Hamann questions Bayern's logic in Diaz pursuit The bid has not only failed but provoked a strong backlash — from an unlikely source. Didi Hamann, a former midfielder for both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, did not pull any punches in his assessment of his old German club's strategy. Photo: IMAGO 'To now bring in Luis Diaz, a 28-year-old South American who played 50 games per season for four or five years and has those long flights home, which are also a problem,' Hamann said bluntly on Sky Germany. 'To pay 70 or 80 million for that, while the sale value is zero because he would be 32 at the end of his contract. I wonder what they even have the campus (academy) for?' His remarks reflect more than just financial prudence. There is a growing sentiment within German football that Bayern's dependency on high-profile imports may be stunting the development of their homegrown talents. No new contract on the table — yet no panic Although Diaz has not received a new contract offer from Liverpool — and his £140,000-a-week salary remains untouched since his 2022 move from Porto — the club appears relaxed. Diaz is contracted until 2027, and insiders have consistently rubbished claims of discontent over wages. The winger's performances have been more than respectable: 148 appearances, 41 goals, 16 assists, and four domestic trophies. His output, though not electric, is steady. His value to the system — his relentless pressing, his capacity to disrupt opposition shapes — is less tangible but no less real. Slot's project leaves no room for uncertainty Slot has been clear: Diaz is part of his vision. And unless Bayern (or Barcelona, who've also sniffed around) return with an astronomical bid, Diaz will still be in red come September. Whether he wants to be is a more delicate matter. But if Liverpool can once again offer trophies and Champions League lights, then even amid European temptation, the Colombian's best footballing future may still lie on Merseyside.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'I was torn...': Ex-Scotland ace admits Rangers regret as he reveals Ibrox family ties
The 26-cap former Scotland international opened up on his links to Rangers. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Scotland goalscoring hero has revealed how he came within a matters of hours from signing for Rangers and detailed why the 'lure' of Ibrox was every bit as tempting as playing in the English Premier League. In a new in-depth interview, ex-Scotland international and Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison has lifted the lid on his family links to Rangers on how he almost rejected a megabucks move in order to live out his dream of playing in the royal blue at Ibrox. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The versatile central-midfielder enjoyed successful stints at Sunderland, Liverpool and Everton, amongst others, playing his entire 21-year career in England's top two divisions. He also starred for Scottish national team, famously scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley in 1999. However, despite his success across the border, the 53-year-old has explained why not playing for Rangers is one of his biggest career regrets, as he opened up on the time he almost signed for the club during his peak, and why it would have fulfilled a long-time ambition for him and his family. Don Hutchison slots home the winning goal in the 1999 friendly win over Germany - a game Didi Hamann started for the hosts. Cr. SNS Group. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 'There was one really that was quite close,' said Hutchison. 'When I was leaving Sunderland. It was to go back to West Ham for a second spell under Glenn Roeder, or go to Glasgow Rangers. I always wanted to play for Rangers, and Rangers were in the Champions League under Dick Advocaat at the time. 'I was so torn, and I literally was in my house the night before I had to make the decision, and I had no clue which way I was going. Everything about a West Ham second spell was appealing because I could play at the stadiums like Anfield, Old Trafford, White Hart Lane, Upton Park, Goodison Park, all the brilliant stadiums. That was like the lure, playing top-class games every single week.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The lure of going to Rangers was pulling on that shirt. My dad was a Rangers fan. Playing in the Champions League for Rangers. Going to Scotland again, trying something different. 'It was literally, I ain't got a clue what to do. In the end, the fact that it was going back to the Premier League, I just look at it now and I'm glad I made it because I'm glad I went back to West Ham. I love West Ham and I'm very privileged to have played for them twice and worn the armband, but at the same time I wish I had Rangers on my CV.' Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group Hutchison also gave his verdict on Barry Ferguson's chances of becoming the next permanent Rangers manager, praising the mentality of his former Scotland team-mate as his interim head coach spell draws to a close. 'I think it's worth a shot to keep Fergie,' Hutchison told 'I played with Barry in the national team. I know his character. I know his passion. I know how much he's a Rangers man. I think he's worth a shot for next season because what he will bring into that team, he'll up the standards. He'll make sure of that, even though they're having a bit of a really inconsistent end to the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
