Liverpool Star Luis Diaz Could Be Lured by Barcelona, But He Might Prefer to Stay Put at Anfield
Liverpool's Premier League title chase is heating up, but the club is already considering its roster for the 2025/26 season. Key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Luis Diáz might depart during a potential summer overhaul. Reports from Diario AS last month indicate that Barcelona and sporting director Deco have long-term interest in Diáz, with the Spanish side also appealing to Diáz's Colombian roots and La Liga's growing popularity in South America.
However, capturing such high-profile talent won't be easy for Barcelona. The Catalan club has struggled to register players like Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor in the past, and must comply with the 1:1 ruling, which requires them to make and save as much money as they spend, to keep their accounts under control. Despite a tight budget, Barcelona's squad budget has increased by €37 million ($40 million). But Diáz's deal with Liverpool runs until 2027, making him a costly investment.
While reducing the roster may be on Liverpool's mind, Diáz has unfinished business at Anfield. He's settled in well with fellow pros like Darwin Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister, and the Merseyside faithful. He's even become a part of the Kop's famous singing culture with a song about his path to Merseyside and goalscoring exploits.
In the 2024/25 season, Diáz started the season on fire, scoring five goals in five domestic games. While his conversion rate has since decreased, Diáz remains a constant runner and a trusted forward option. He's also scoring more league goals than last season, demonstrating his growth at Liverpool.
But Luis Diáz's story goes beyond his stunning performances on the pitch. He's overcome adversity, including the kidnapping of his parents in Colombia and escaping poverty and lack of opportunities in his homeland's La Guajira region. A highlight in Diáz's career was his inclusion in the Copa Americana de Pueblos Indígenas a decade ago, which celebrates Indigenous talent. Bringing back this tournament and seeing who Diáz has inspired would be a fitting tribute to his resilience and talent.
As for his future, recent reports suggest that Barcelona might be plotting a concrete plan to sign Diáz within the next few months or in 2026, setting aside between €70 million ($76 million) and €75 million ($82 million)[SPORT]. However, the transfer market's domino effect, Liverpool's renewal efforts, and Barcelona's financial constraints make the situation complex. Until then, both clubs will focus on claiming silverware before any major changes occur.
- Barcelona, having expressed long-term interest in Luis Diaz, may face challenges in signing the Liverpool player, given their past issues with player registrations and the 1:1 ruling.
- Despite Liverpool considering a potential summer overhaul, Luis Diaz's deal with the club runs until 2027, making him a costly investment for any suitor.
- In the midst of speculation about his future, Luis Diaz continues to excel at Liverpool, with five goals in five domestic games during the 2024/25 season and a growth in league goalscoring demonstrated this season.
