Colombian football legend James Rodríguez has thrown his full support behind compatriot Luis Díaz’s recent move from Liverpool to German giants Bayern Munich, describing the switch as a “perfect fit” and a “step in the right direction” for the dynamic winger.
Díaz, 28, completed a high-profile permanent transfer to Bayern Munich earlier this summer, ending his impressive spell at Liverpool where he became a fan favorite for his electrifying pace, creativity, and flair on the wings. The move has generated considerable buzz in both the Bundesliga and among Colombian football enthusiasts, with many curious to see how the former Porto winger adapts to German football.
The Colombian captain, James Rodríguez, who himself played for Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, spoke glowingly about Díaz’s decision during an interview with The TouchlineX. Rodríguez believes the winger’s qualities align perfectly with Bayern’s footballing philosophy and that he is poised to make a significant impact under the guidance of new manager Vincent Kompany.
“I think Luis Díaz made the right choice,” James Rodríguez said. “Bayern signed a great player. Lucho is a good fit for them. Bayern is a great club. I think he will help them a lot.”
Rodríguez’s endorsement comes at a crucial time for Díaz, who is preparing for a fresh chapter in his career after two-and-a-half seasons at Liverpool. Díaz made his unofficial debut for Bayern during their recent pre-season friendly match against French side Olympique Lyon, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Bundesliga champions. The Colombian winger featured prominently, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike for his sharp movement and ability to link up with Bayern’s attacking unit.
Díaz is expected to play a vital role in Bayern’s squad rebuild under Kompany, who took over from Thomas Tuchel earlier this summer. With Bayern aiming to regain domestic dominance and mount a strong UEFA Champions League campaign, Díaz’s arrival adds depth and flair to an already potent attack that includes Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, and Jamal Musiala.
The winger’s switch to Bayern also marks a personal milestone, becoming the latest South American star to feature for the Bavarian giants. His versatility, coupled with his high work rate, is expected to earn him immediate playing time as Kompany reshapes the team’s tactical approach heading into the 2025/26 season.
Díaz’s decision to leave Liverpool was not without its emotional weight. Since joining the Reds from FC Porto in January 2022, he made over 80 appearances and played an instrumental role in Liverpool’s domestic and European campaigns. His quick adaptation to English football and dynamic performances helped Liverpool secure key victories during a transitional period under manager Jürgen Klopp.
However, with the Merseyside club entering a period of rebuilding and facing fierce competition in the Premier League, Díaz opted for a new challenge in Germany—a move that Rodríguez views as both strategic and ambitious.
“Bayern will give him the platform to excel,” Rodríguez noted. “He’ll get to play in a system that suits his style, and the Bundesliga will appreciate his kind of football. It’s fast, physical, and technical—exactly what Luis thrives on.”
The Colombian national team also stands to benefit from Díaz’s move to Bayern, as regular minutes at one of Europe’s top clubs will keep him sharp ahead of the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers and Copa América competitions. As Colombia looks to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out in 2022, Díaz’s form will be instrumental in their qualification campaign.
Díaz is already preparing for his next appearance in Bayern colours when they face Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly fixture on Thursday. Fans are eager to see how he continues to integrate into the team, and whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed in England and Portugal.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are optimistic that the Colombian winger will play a critical role in their attempt to reclaim the Bundesliga title, which they narrowly lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season. The club’s top brass, including sporting director Christoph Freund, have hailed Díaz’s acquisition as a statement of intent, emphasizing their commitment to revitalizing the squad with international talent.
“Luis Díaz brings intensity, creativity, and experience at the highest level,” Freund said during the unveiling of the Colombian international. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Munich. He is the kind of player that excites fans and lifts the team.”
Football analysts have also weighed in positively, describing Díaz’s move as a win-win for both the player and the club. His explosive playing style, combined with Bayern’s structured attacking game, is seen as a natural match.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Luis Díaz to see whether he can live up to the expectations set by his new club and his legendary countryman, James Rodríguez.
If his debut and early training sessions are anything to go by, Bayern Munich may have found yet another South American gem to light up the Allianz Arena.
