Luis Diaz once again finds himself the subject of transfer links with Barcelona as a recurring theme looks set to rear its ugly head again this summer.
The Colombian is no stranger to being touted for a move to the Camp Nou, having been regularly linked with a move away from Anfield over the past year or so.
And while Liverpool managed to get Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signed up to new two-year contracts, and Conor Bradley to a new four-year deal, more contract drama looks as though it is waiting just around the corner for Liverpool after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave.
Ibrahima Konate is the most pressing of the current issues, with the Frenchman’s deal expiring next year, while a whole host of other players will see their current deals expire in 2027.
Diaz is among that group, and the 28-year-old’s future has been a constant source of speculation. The former Porto star is still on the same contract he signed upon arriving from Portugal in January 2022, and an improved deal would appear to be long overdue.
That’s if he hasn’t already got his eyes set on a move to Barcelona. Spanish outlet Sport is once again reporting on the La Liga champion’s interest in Diaz, with the Colombian being eyed up to play alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
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It’s even suggested that, with the Camp Nou set to reopen this year, Barcelona is back on firm financial footing, and will be able to spend the $97 million it expects will be enough to secure Diaz’s signature.
That could leave Liverpool with a tricky decision to make, especially if a new contract continues to elude Diaz, although the winger has already indicated he wants to sign an extension at Anfield.
“Since the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team,” Diaz told Colombian news outlet Telemundo Deportes earlier this month.
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“We’ll be talking about it [about renewing], we’ll talk about it. For me, I’d stay however many years it takes.
“It also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are worked out separately. But I’m very calm, happy and enjoying the Premier League.”
Liverpool.com says: You’d have to say, it Barca really can make that sort of offer, then it might be hard for Liverpool to turn down.
Diaz is obviously still an important player, but he does feel like one that Liverpool could potentially find an upgrade on. In fact, it perhaps already has with Cody Gakpo, and with Diaz approaching 30, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Reds smell an opportunity to make some money.
