Report: Luis Diaz Names His Next Destination If Liverpool Fail to Overcome Obstacles in Contract Talks
According to The Mirror, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has reportedly expressed a clear preference for his next destination should contract negotiations with the Reds fail to yield a satisfactory outcome in the coming months.
Reports from Spain suggest that Diaz is eager to join Barcelona if discussions over a new deal at Anfield continue to stagnate.
The Colombian international has become one of Arne Slot’s most dependable performers this season, having scored nine goals and provided three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.
His resilience has also been noteworthy, missing only two matches for Liverpool this season after playing in 37 of 38 Premier League games last term.
Slot has occasionally deployed Diaz in a central striking role this campaign and remains determined to secure his long-term future at the club.
While the spotlight has primarily been on contract renewals for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—whose deals expire in June—talks with Diaz’s representatives are also ongoing.
Although Diaz’s current contract runs until June 2027, making negotiations less urgent, reported interest from other clubs might accelerate proceedings. According to Spanish outlet Antena 2, Liverpool are facing certain ‘obstacles’ in their attempts to extend his deal.
While Diaz is not actively seeking a departure, he is reportedly positioning himself for a potential move to Barcelona when the time comes. The winger is said to ‘prefer’ a switch to the Catalan giants, although Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also monitoring the situation closely.
Diaz’s current valuation stands at approximately €80 million (£66 million), a figure that could deter Barcelona given their ongoing financial struggles.
The La Liga side have also been linked with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, despite already having Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in wide attacking roles.
For now, Diaz remains an integral part of Arne Slot’s vision for Liverpool. With the team sitting atop the Premier League, competing in the Champions League, and reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, the winger has little reason to look elsewhere.
Following Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, Slot shared his perspective on Diaz’s role within the squad. When asked about Diaz’s position now that Diogo Jota has returned to fitness, Slot responded:
“People said a week ago that Darwin Nunez’s numbers aren’t high enough but he has now got a goal and an assist.
“Lucho can play in that position. He has done very well for us in that role. He has played more games as a winger but we know he can do it. Darwin and Jota are there but Lucho is definitely an option.”
Diaz has 33 goals and 16 assists in 120 appearances for Liverpool altogether – similar numbers to those he put up at Porto. He will hope this season will end in silverware following a brilliant start under Slot’s management.
In other news, “I Don’t Know If It’s True” – Arne Slot speaks out on Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool Future Theory
