The left wing was the position that FC Barcelona were most keen to reinforce in the last summer transfer window. For this purpose, they were most closely linked with the Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, but ultimately were unable to land him.
However, he was not the only winger linked with the Blaugrana club last summer. Another high-profile player who was linked with the Catalans in that period was the Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, and Barcelona had actually contacted Liverpool to try to sign him.
These contacts proved to be futile at that time, as the Merseyside club was not willing to part ways with such an important player. However, according to SPORT, Liverpool can put him on the market next summer, as negotiations between the player and the club for his renewal have failed.
The report further claims that Diaz is now looking for a change of scenery, and his clear priority for now is to play for Barcelona.
Luis Diaz has proved to be a crucial player for the Premier League side, ever since joining them in 2022 for over €50 million. However, his salary is no longer in line with the role that he has in this Liverpool team, especially as Arne Slot has made him an undisputed starter after his excellent start to the season in which he has already scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists up to now.
Currently, he is earning €3 million annually and wants an improvement in his paycheck. However, Liverpool’s financial fair play problems keep them from meeting his demands.
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VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 06, 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Pedri and Gavi of FC Barcelona smile following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Barcelona and Stade Brestois 29 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 26, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China.
AC Milan have already made him their top priority for the next summer, but they will have to make sales to be able to afford him. Meanwhile, PSG and Barcelona, two clubs who were interested in him last summer, are also linked with him. Liverpool will be demanding around €80 million for his sale, but the fact that his contract expires in 2026 can force them to lower their asking price.