Luis Díaz has obvious reasons to ‘fight’ for the Barcelona transfer – but Liverpool can sort that out

Luis Díaz’s future at Liverpool has become a major talking point as the club approaches the post-Jürgen Klopp era. New reports from Spain suggest Barcelona are preparing to make a move for the Colombian.

With Arne Slot set to arrive as the new Reds boss this summer, he will no doubt want to put his stamp on his new team during the transfer window. This could include offloading some of the current players at Anfield.

Jamie Carragher previously suggested Díaz could be one of those to make way. “I think Díaz is good, I don’t think he’s great,” the former defender told The Overlap last month.

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If Slot agrees, then there might be an avenue to explore. According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been told that Díaz wants to move to Camp Nou, while Xavi has a new left winger on his transfer wish list.

The 27-year-old’s father previously claimed his son dreams of playing for Barcelona. He told Win Sports: “There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because they are a top team and one of the best in the world. It is true that Luis is a loyal fan of Barcelona and it would be his dream to go there. .”

That’s not the only reason Díaz might want to push for a move to the Catalan club. Despite being a regular starter, he remains one of the club’s lowest earners, with the winger still on the same terms he agreed to sign with Liverpool from Porto in 2022.

His contract at Anfield runs until 2027, and with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold entering their final years this summer, the club have more pressing renewals to deal with. However, if Slot wants to keep Díaz, the Reds may need to prepare an offer.

A report in The Telegraph last month, which linked Díaz with Paris Saint-Germain, suggested that could be an option. It has been claimed that a decision will be made on his future this summer, with Liverpool either offering him a new deal or moving him on.

The good news for Liverpool is that with Díaz under contract for another three years, they could demand a maximum fee from Barcelona if they decide to sell. The Telegraph claimed the Reds would want close to $94m (£75m/€87m) for his signature.

That could pose a problem for Barca, whose financial problems are well documented. Mundo Deportivo claim there are plans for the Catalan club to sell players to finance a deal, while improved offers will be sought from sponsors.

The ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court. It’s a big decision for Slot to make when he arrives, but he should be able to make his way whichever way he goes.