‘Liverpool dealt Luis Diaz setback amid significant Barcelona development’
Liverpool may be about to lose star Luis Diaz after Barcelona were dealt a blow in their pursuit of another forward.
As exclusively revealed by Football Insider in May, Barcelona have showed interest in the Colombian and Liverpool would seriously consider a huge offer for the 28-year-old.
Diaz was pivotal in the Red’s success last season, scoring 17 goals and registering eight assists in all competitions.
Arne Slot has already boosted his forward options further with the signing of Florian Wirtz, but losing Diaz would be a setback for the Dutchman.
Williams turns down Barcelona move
Barcelona are actively searching for a winger this summer with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford also on their list of options.
The Spanish giants though were prioritising Nico Williams and had agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old.
However, Williams has now signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao, putting his proposed move to Barcelona in the bin.
Liverpool may have to prepare for Barcelona to reignite their pursuit of Diaz, with the Reds hoping Rashford will now become their number one priority.
Salah requires Diaz support
Diaz’s flair, pace and work rate are crucial to this Liverpool team.
Mohamed Salah may grab the headlines with his phenomenal talent, but Diaz is also a major threat to opposition defences on the opposite wing.
Liverpool’s array of attacking options, improved by Wirtz’s arrival, ensure the Reds are one of the most threatening forward teams in the league.
Diaz though has been consistent in contributing goals and assists and only time will tell whether Wirtz will be able to make a similar impact.
| Appearances | 148 |
| Goals | 41 |
| Assists | 23 |
Slot requires Diaz to stay to help Salah in that department, otherwise the Reds could end up relying on the Egyptian too much, especially in the big games.
Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez are two attacking players set to leave Anfield this summer, so Slot could be left short of options unless he dips back into the transfer market.
The club are keen on Alexander Isak but Newcastle are demanding £150m which could be out of Liverpool’s price range this summer.
It therefore seems vital to Liverpool that they fend off any approach from Barcelona for Diaz, in a saga that could run to the end of the transfer window due to the Spanish club’s financial issues.