Barcelona hopes for a repeat transfer of Philippe Coutinho, but Liverpool hold all the cards

The winger Luis Diaz is being strongly linked to a move to Barcelona; what will Liverpool do with him going forward?

As talks of a move to Barcelona intensify, Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is still being linked to leaving the team.

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, is a big fan of the winger who is now abroad with Colombia on international duty and getting ready for the Copa America. In fact, the Catalan media is having a field day with him right now.

What will Liverpool do with Diaz this summer given the rumours of talks between his advisors and Barcelona and the 27-year-old expressing his affection for the team? Our authors share their opinions.

Ian Doyle: There’s a good chance Luis Diaz will inadvertently turn into a major test of the Fenway Sports Group’s preferred method of doing business in the transfer market.

The Reds were praised for acquiring such a quality from Porto for £50 million when Diaz was plucked from under Tottenham Hotspur’s nose back in January 2022. This opinion was supported by the player’s instant impact in the starting lineup.

Following a 2022–2023 season marred by injuries, Diaz was undoubtedly back to his best last season. He was among the first names on the squad sheet and started to put up big goals and assists starting on Boxing Day.

In spite of this, there hasn’t been much evidence that Liverpool plans to extend its contract with the Colombian anytime soon. Though negotiations aren’t particularly urgent given that Diaz has three years left on his contract, he is by no means one of the club’s biggest earners. However, at 27 years old, he is peaking both as a player and financially. Financially speaking, Liverpool might be better off selling.

However, that needs a buyer. Despite all of his family’s and, if rumours are to be believed, Diaz’s representatives’ flirting with Barcelona, the La Liga giants only lack the financial resources to guarantee Liverpool a decent profit on their winger spend.

Barcelona has to raise money, maybe by selling players. And since it would give them little time to find a replacement, Liverpool will undoubtedly oppose any move made closer to the transfer deadline if that isn’t done as soon as possible. Time is running out.

Theo Squires

Theo Squires: Luis Diaz was Liverpool’s most productive striker in the latter months of the 2023–2024 campaign, and he also scored his most goals while wearing a Reds jersey.

However, it’s undeniable that his 13 goals at Anfield are tied for the fewest of Sadio Mane’s career. Although the Colombian poses a distinct threat to the Senegalese, he has not proven to be an improvement.

His ceiling won’t be much higher at 27, and it’s clear that, like many South Americans before him, he would be lured by Barcelona. It could be time for him to cash in if the Catalans can put together a strong bid.

Unlike when Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez, this isn’t that. While Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Dominik Szoboszlai are all capable of filling Diaz’s preferred left-wing role, it is almost hard for the Reds to acquire another option for Diaz, who is not the team’s top player. This summer, they have already been connected to several intriguing, younger possibilities.

The hardest thing about him to imitate will be his availability. Aside from a severe knee injury, he has consistently been available for Liverpool, and it is something to be proud of. Therefore, by no means should the Reds be forcing him to leave.

However, Barcelona shouldn’t be making special efforts to hold him if he wants to leave and they want him. Realise a sizable profit on the Colombian swap might be advantageous for both sides.

Joe Rimmer: It’s beginning to appear like Liverpool will have trouble holding onto Luis Diaz.

After all, they’ve been here before. The Catalan media is heavily favouring the Colombian, even though we are all aware of how this game is played.

Although it seems like the move is gaining traction, Liverpool is in control this time around, in contrast to Philippe Coutinho or Luis Suarez.

Given that injury issues derailed the seasons of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo, Diaz’s availability is still crucial to Arne Slot’s future ambitions. The winger was practically a constant for Liverpool last season.

Furthermore, if the Dutchman has been observing Jurgen Klopp’s methods, as he disclosed in his first interview with the team on Wednesday, he will be aware of the extent to which the German trusted Diaz, particularly in crucial matches.

Because of this, Liverpool shouldn’t consider a deal for anything less than absurd sums of money.

Diaz might desire Diaz may be desired by Barcelona and Barcelona, but a substantial sum of money will be required to close this deal.

Cash that would be difficult for the Catalans to obtain. Experience has taught us that Liverpool may not have a choice when it comes to Diaz, but if he does decide to move to Spain, Richard Hughes ought to insist that Barcelona pay the forward at least £75 million and use the remaining funds to acquire a player with a comparable background.