Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the Catalans remain interested in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
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Barcelona sporting director Deco and Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Barcelona sporting director Deco and Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
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Deco has confirmed Barcelona remain admirers of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window. The Colombian has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Catalan giants over the last two seasons.
While the La Liga champions never followed up on such interest last summer, they have again been linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks.
Diaz has enjoyed a strong campaign for the Reds, helping fire them to the Premier League title after returning 17 goals and five assists from 49 appearances in all competitions. But despite such form, his Anfield future remains the subject of ongoing scrutiny with his contract set to enter its final two years.
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Now Barcelona sporting director Deco has publicly confirmed their interest in Diaz, though he stopped short of confirming whether they actually intend to move for the forward this summer as he opened up on his plans to improve Hansi Flick’s squad.
"Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect,” he told RAC 1. “We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players.
“When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team. Our big priority is to strengthen what we have at home, renewals of Pedri, Gavi, Araujo, Raphinha, Kounde.
“I understand that when people talk about signings, they always think about players coming from abroad, but for me, renewals are also signings. Lamine is the best signing in history.
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“Then, if the team can be improved. From what we've seen this season, we need a player with a different profile to what we have to help the strikers.
"Fermin has played as a winger and has done well. The composition of the squad also depends on the market.”
While Diaz might be being linked with a Liverpool exit, he recently confirmed his desire to stay put at Anfield if a new contract could be agreed with the club.
Asked if he wants to stay, Diaz said to Telemundo: “Yes, happy. From the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team.
“We’ll be talking about it, we’ll talk about it (about the renewal). For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything.
"These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I’m happy and enjoying the Premier League.”