Barcelona is setting its sights on Liverpool’s Luis Diaz as a prime transfer target for the summer, after securing a domestic treble – despite Diaz speaking on the prospect of signing a new contract.
The club’s sporting director Deco recognises the need to bolster Hansi Flick’s attacking options, which has been heavily reliant on the contributions of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal this season.
Speaking to ESPN, Deco commented: “We feel very dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players.” Liverpool’s own league champion, Diaz, has emerged as a significant target for the La Liga winners, with reports naming him as Barca’s preferred choice ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Despite being tied to Anfield till 2027, the 28 year old winger hasn’t fully closed the door on an eventual departure, which could invite moves for his signature.
In search of further depth, Flick has also shown interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, but he doesn’t rank as highly as Diaz on Barcelona’s list, reports the Express.
For Barcelona, prising Diaz away from Liverpool would necessitate a hefty fee believed to be in the region of $88.9 million – a challenging sum given the Nou Camp side’s ongoing financial constraints that might demand player sales before such a high-profile acquisition.
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Despite speculation, Diaz has downplayed the idea of leaving Liverpool in pursuit of a new adventure elsewhere. Diaz emphasised his commitment to Liverpool amidst speculations of his future, as he prepares for contract talks, reiterating his contentment on Merseyside.
“I’m really happy and I have been like this since the first day I arrived,” he stated to Colombian channel Telemundo Deportes. “I’ve always been very calm, and I have really just been enjoying the football played by this great team, being a part of this.
“We will be talking, the talk about it [his future] will happen. For me, I’d stay for as long as possible. It also depends on the club; it all depends on the details.
“They’re all details that are sorted out separately. But I am very calm, very happy, and I am enjoying the Premier League.”
Playing an instrumental part in securing Arne Slot’s dream debut season at Anfield, Díaz contributed to Liverpool’s success with 17 goals and eight assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
While a switch to Barcelona was labelled a “dream” by Díaz’s father back in 2023, the winger’s present focus seems firmly rooted with the Reds, as he looks forward to adding to his collection of four significant honours.
