Luis Díaz has obvious reason to 'fight' for Barcelona transfer - but Liverpool can solve it
Luis Díaz’s future at Liverpool has become a major discussion point as the club nears the post-Jürgen Klopp era. New reports from Spain suggest Barcelona is preparing to make a move for the Colombian.
With Arne Slot set to arrive as the Reds’ new boss this summer, he will no doubt want to put his stamp on his new squad during the transfer window. That could include offloading some of the current players at Anfield.
Jamie Carragher has previously suggested that Díaz could be one of those to make way. “I think Díaz is good, I don’t think he’s great,” the former defender told The Overlap last month.
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Should Slot agree, then there could be an avenue to explore. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has been told that Díaz wants to move to the Camp Nou, while Xavi has a new left winger high on his transfer wishlist.
The 27-year-old’s father has previously claimed that his son dreams of playing for Barcelona. He told Win Sports: "There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world. It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there."
That’s not the only reason Díaz might want to push for a move to the Catalan club. Despite being a regular starter, he remains one of the club’s lowest earners, with the winger still on the same terms that he agreed to upon signing for Liverpool from Porto in 2022.
His contract at Anfield runs until 2027, and with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold entering their final years this summer, the club does have more pressing renewals to sort out. Nevertheless, if Slot wants to keep Díaz, the Reds may need to get an offer ready.
A report from The Telegraph last month which linked Díaz with Paris Saint-Germain suggested that could be an option. It was claimed that a decision would be made on his future this summer, with Liverpool likely to either offer him a new deal or move him on.
The good news for Liverpool is that with Díaz under contract for another three years, it would be able to demand a top fee from Barcelona were it to decide to sell. The Telegraph claimed the Reds would want close to $94m (£75m/€87m) for his signature.
That could pose a problem for Barca, whose financial problems are well-documented. Mundo Deportivo though claims plans are in place for the Catalan club to sell players in order to fund a deal, while improved deals will be sought from sponsors.
The ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court though. It is a big decision for Slot to make when he arrives, but he should be able to get his way whichever direction he takes.