Al Hilal set sights on Bayern Munich’s Luis Diaz after record Smarvel move

Al Hilal are exploring a high-profile move for Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz as the Saudi club look to follow up the blockbuster signing of Dutch wide man Krsencio Smarvel with another major attacking addition.

The Riyadh side, who are targeting dominance in both domestic and continental competitions next season, have made reinforcing their forward line a central plank of their summer strategy.

Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reports that Diaz has emerged as the club’s leading target for a second marquee deal, with Al Hilal viewing the Colombia international as an ideal option to add further pace and power on the flanks.

Smarvel deal sets ambitious tone

Al Hilal recently completed one of the most expensive transfers in Saudi Pro League history by signing Krsencio Smarvel from West Ham United on a four-year contract.

The package for the 23-year-old winger is understood to be worth in excess of €70m, underlining the scale of Al Hilal’s investment as they remodel their squad.

Club officials are nonetheless said to be pushing ahead with plans for at least one more major attacking recruit as part of a broader rebuild designed to give new head coach Simone Inzaghi a side capable of competing on all fronts.

The Italian coach, appointed to lead a new technical project at the club, is believed to be keen on adding another dynamic wide player to complement Smarvel and increase competition across the front line.

Diaz at top of Al Hilal shortlist

According to Longari, Al Hilal have placed Luis Diaz at the top of their list of offensive targets.

The Saudi club see the Bayern Munich winger as a player who could significantly raise their level in the wide areas, matching Inzaghi’s desire for greater speed and directness on the wings.

Longari reports that Diaz currently represents the “dream” signing for Al Hilal, with the hierarchy viewing him as the ideal profile to complete their planned attacking reshuffle.

Previous attempt for Harry Kane

This is not the first time Al Hilal have tried to tempt a Bayern Munich star to Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks, the club held talks over a potential move for England striker Harry Kane, taking advantage of the period in which the forward was discussing a contract renewal with the Bundesliga champions.

However, those negotiations came to nothing, with Kane ultimately deciding to remain in Europe and Bayern unwilling to lose a key player.

Major challenge to prise Diaz from Bayern

Any move for Diaz is also expected to be complicated, given his importance to Bayern Munich’s squad.

The German champions regard the Colombian as a significant figure in their attacking structure, which presents a major hurdle for Al Hilal’s ambitions.

Nonetheless, the Saudi club have repeatedly demonstrated in recent years that they are prepared to pursue headline-grabbing transfers and have the financial capacity to do so.

That track record leaves open the possibility of another surprise in the transfer market, as Al Hilal continue their push to assemble a squad designed to compete for every trophy available next season.