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Major row developing as angry Porto coach tackles board over ‘difficult’ sale of Luis Diaz to Liverpool

The sale of Luis Diaz to Liverpool over the weekend has caused something of a fall out at the club the Colombian has left behind, FC Porto.

The Reds put their focus on quality over quantity in January as they sealed the exciting capture of Diaz. The Colombian cost Liverpool £37.5million with a further £12.5million earmarked in add-ons down the line. The new No 23 has signed a deal to keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2027.

He will add a new element to an attack that already comprises Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, along with a couple of backup options.

The 25-year-old’s first message as a Liverpool player was a simple one. In a short video, he said: “I am very happy to have signed for Liverpool.”

But his new manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed his own enthusiasm about the done deal.

And with their attack now looking well covered for the future, thoughts are already turning to the summer window. To that end, Liverpool have on Tuesday been linked with two very exciting midfield additions.

For Porto though, the challenge for them is to ensure they enjoy a successful end to the season without their talisman.

Boasting a record of 16 goals and six assists in 29 games this season, he will leave a gaping hole in their side.

And while the Dragons are top of the league and chasing the title, their task has become all the more difficult.

Conceicao makes feelings clear on Luis Diaz sale

Indeed, having seemingly been promised that Diaz would not be sold mid-season, Porto coach Sergio Conceicao has let rip at his sale to Liverpool.

“In big companies and big clubs, planning is done according to the objectives. When there is little or no planning, we have to review the goals and think about the near future,” Conceicao told SIC Noticias, via Sport Witness.

“I’m demanding and, at the moment, the truth is that it’s more difficult, but it’s part of my job to find solutions. It’s looking to the future and realising that our goals may become more difficult to achieve.”

With his side also failing to bring in any players during the month, Conceicao feels his board have left him high and dry.

“We’re talking about four important players who have left in recent years, including Corona, Sergio Oliveira and Luis Diaz, who were among the best players in the league in recent years and had their weight in the team.

“Today there were two full-backs, two goalkeepers, two defenders and two boys from the academy on the bench. It’s part of my job, to find solutions in a very difficult situation. Clearly the financial aspect was stronger than sporting success.”

Klopp grateful to Porto for sale

While Conceicao clearly feels aggrieved, Klopp was quick to thank Porto for allowing the sale mid-season.

“We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way. They provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators,” Klopp said.

“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. 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.”

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