Liverpool are preparing to re-enter discussions with Luis Diaz over his future after the Anfield fan favourite has been causing concerns that he could look to push for a move to Barcelona when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Having guided the Reds to Premier League glory during his first season at the helm, boss Arne Slot is on course to welcome Georgia international goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to Merseyside in the coming weeks after agreeing a deal worth up to £29million with La Liga outfit Valencia in August.
But the Dutch tactician will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold next term, thanks to the right-back confirming his desire to leave his boyhood club at the end of his contract, and he is determined to avoid a situation where fellow title-winner Diaz also embarks on a fresh challenge instead of remaining at Liverpool.
Reds Aim to Enter Discussions Over Diaz Deal
Conversations expected to get underway before end of month
Luis Diaz
Liverpool are set to hold fresh talks with Diaz over a new contract, according to GMS sources, after there have been fears that he could agitate for a switch to Barcelona if the opportunity arises as the La Liga heavyweights have been pinpointed as his dream destination if he moves onto pastures new.
The wide forward is preparing to enter the final two years of a deal which allows him to pocket £55,000-per-week, leading to him being earmarked as a potential recruit by suitors, but the Reds are keen to retain his services as they see him as a key component as they make plans to defend their Premier League title.
GMS sources have been informed that Liverpool are expected to enter face-to-face conversations with Diaz and his representatives by the end of the month, having seen him play a pivotal role in being crowned champions, and Barcelona will keep tabs on how those discussions progress before potentially upping the ante in their pursuit.
Luis Diaz's statistics for Liverpool this season
The Colombia international has been on the Merseyside giants' books since sealing a move worth up to £49million from Porto in January 2022, when Tottenham Hotspur were also battling for his signature, but there are concerns that he will aim to take his career in another direction if the Reds do not reward him with an improved deal.
Although Barcelona will have renewed hope of being able to prise Diaz away from Liverpool if Slot cannot persuade him to sign on the dotted line before the transfer window reopens, GMS sources have learned that there is an awareness that he could decide to extend his stay after ending the season with silverware.
Admirers Would Love Opportunity to Sign Diaz
Slot seeing 28-year-old as talismanic figure he wants to keep
Liverpool's Luis Diaz playing against Manchester United
GMS sources have been told that Liverpool have reached a pivotal period as Barcelona would love the chance to sign Diaz and believe it could become a possibility as they seek to give their squad a makeover in the aftermath of missing out on a place in the Champions League final.
The 28-year-old, who has been described as 'unbelievable' by journalist Neil Docking, has been identified as a potential recruit by the Blaugrana at a time when head coach Hansi Flick and influential figures behind the scenes are deliberating whether to bring in long-term replacements for Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Liverpool want to hold onto Diaz as they are viewing him as a talismanic figure capable of boosting their frontline next season, GMS sources understand, and it remains unclear whether Barcelona will be able to land him at the same time as the more cost-effective Marcus Rashford after he has fallen out of favour at Manchester United.
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GMS sources recently revealed that Lyon talisman Rayan Cherki wants to head to Anfield in the summer, and his arrival would result in Slot having another option on the flank, but there is still determination to resist the temptation to cash in on the former Atletico Junior fan favourite ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 08/05/2025
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