The representative of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz reportedly engaged in discussions with Barcelona regarding a potential transfer during the upcoming summer window.
Surprising reports coming from Colombia suggest that Liverpool are willing to entertain offers for Luis Diaz, provided the price is right. Despite delivering a standout performance in the Reds’ recent draw against Manchester City, Diaz’s inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities has raised concerns.
Since the beginning of the year, the 27-year-old has demonstrated improved form, registering three goals and three assists in seven Premier League appearances. Nevertheless, his inefficiency in front of goal against City has prompted scrutiny of his capabilities as a winger.
Diaz has amassed a total of 22 goals and 13 assists in 85 appearances for Liverpool, averaging a contribution every 161 minutes. In comparison, his predecessor Sadio Mane boasted 120 goals and 48 assists in 269 games, with an average contribution every 128 minutes.
According to Colombian newspaper El Heraldo, Barcelona have shown interest in Diaz ahead of the summer transfer window. Despite being under contract until 2027, the La Liga giants have long been linked with the former Porto player.
Reports suggest that Diaz’s agent, Carlos Van Strahlen, has met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and shared a dinner with him. Barcelona purportedly inquired about the potential transfer fee for the winger.
Liverpool would reportedly demand between £102 million (€120m) and £119 million (€140m) for the services of the 45-cap Colombia international, according to the latest report.
While the Premier League giants are reportedly willing to entertain the idea of a transfer, it appears they would only consider such a move if an offer within that price range is made.
However, the likelihood of a move to Barcelona seems slim due to the Catalan club’s ongoing financial difficulties. Despite receiving multiple cash injections from the sale of stakes in their television revenue and in-house media company, Barcelona has been forced to pursue low-cost signings and adopt a frugal approach.
Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of the player, disclosed in an interview last November that his son harbors dreams of playing at the Nou Camp.
Speaking to Colombian TV channel Win Sports, he expressed his son’s desire for a potential move to Barcelona: “It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.
“So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him. There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”
Even without scoring against City, Diaz’s dazzling dribbling skills left his manager Jurgen Klopp astonished. Previously, the German had hailed him as a “very, very special player.”
He said: “You see a situation when Luis Diaz against [Kyle] Walker, who is officially the fastest in the Premier League, I think they said that recently, and Rodri and he gets out of that. It’s absolutely incredible!”
This week, Diaz aims to increase his season tally of 11 goals and five assists. Liverpool will first clash with Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie, followed by a visit to Old Trafford to confront Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
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