Diaz's Bayern Move Hit by Language Barrier as Palhinha Exits

Luis Diaz faces a potential language problem at Bayern Munich following his £65.5million transfer from Liverpool this week. That is due to one of Diaz ’s only Spanish-speaking team-mates being on the verge of leaving the club.

Despite Liverpool's initial hesitation to let the winger go, having netted 17 goals in all competitions for Arne Slot's Premier League champions, Diaz was determined to leave after failing to agree terms over a new contract . Bayern's second offer of over £65m was considered too good to refuse for the 28-year-old.

Diaz, who had notable difficulties with speaking English during his time at Liverpool, now faces another language barrier as most of his new colleagues speak German and English.

That led to Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha stepping in as a makeshift translator during Bayern's training session on Thursday, as he is one of the few who can communicate in Spanish. Bild reported that Diaz spent much of the day with Palhinha, who has played an invaluable role in helping the Colombian star settle in.

However, before they could form a real friendship, Diaz has been dealt a huge blow as the 30-year-old midfielder is now set to leave for Tottenham Hotspur . Palhinha joined Bayern from Fulham for a fee up to £47.4m a year ago but is now set for a return to the Premier League.

On Friday, reports emerged that Tottenham had struck an agreement with Bayern for Palhinha's loan move, which included a £27m option to buy. It was initially only expected to be a straight loan, giving Spurs the flexibility to spend funds elsewhere this summer, but Bayern inserted the purchase option in talks on Thursday.

Despite his setback, Diaz will be desperate to make an immediate impact at Bayern, who also signed his former Reds team-mate Sadio Mane in the summer of 2022. The Senegalese forward failed to adapt and left after just one season, despite claiming the Bundesliga title.

"I give everything for the team I'm playing for,” Diaz said after his transfer. “I can't say whether I'm worth the transfer fee, but I'm glad that it's been concluded this way.

“I like this club and want to settle in here as quickly as possible. I can play up front or on the wing. The coach has told me he sees me preferably on the left side, but I'll play where I'm needed. I want to help the team, that's the priority.

“I wanted to join Bayern because the club's aims are in line with mine and I wanted to move to a big team - the club has incredible history.

“We want to win everything. My aim is to help the club and have success as quickly as possible.

“I'm fulfilling a dream with this. It's about getting used to the club as quickly as possible and helping the team.”

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