Barcelona’s reported interest in Luis Diaz has stirred up plenty of headlines this week, especially with news that the Spanish giants have set a price tag of around €60 million ($69 million/£51 million) for the Colombian winger.
But let’s be very clear: if Barcelona seriously believe that figure will be enough to lure Diaz away from Anfield, it is in for a rude awakening. Diaz is not just a talented wide forward; he’s become a vital part of Liverpool’s identity post– Sadio Mane. He represents the aggressive, high-energy, direct wing play that has defined the team’s success under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
Suggesting that a fee in the region of $69 million could tempt the Reds into selling the winger is not only unrealistic—it borders on disrespectful.
Barcelona’s current optimism stems partly from Liverpool’s rumored record-breaking move for Florian Wirtz and potential attacking reinforcements. The thinking seems to be that Diaz might become expendable in a new system or could be sacrificed to fund other big-money signings. But that logic is flawed.
Firstly, Liverpool doesn’t need to sell to buy. The club’s financial model, while conservative compared to some of its rivals, is still robust.
Liverpool has spent conservatively in recent years, shelling out just £10 million ($12 million) across the last three transfer windows—making the club the lowest spenders in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.
Over the past three years, it ranks 13th in net transfer spend. Any deal for Wirtz or another top player will be carefully structured. Liverpool is not in the kind of financial position where they’d accept a cut-price offer for one of its most marketable and effective players.
Luis Diaz speaks to Arne Slot during Liverpool training
Luis Diaz has been linked with a move to Barcelona again this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Secondly, Diaz’s market value exceeds what Barcelona are reportedly prepared to pay. This is a player in his prime, with Champions League experience and Premier League pedigree. He has also shown versatility—able to play wide, cut inside, and press with intensity.
According to Transfermarkt, Diaz's valuation currently stands somewhere between €70 million ($80 million/£59 million) and €85 million ($98 million/£72 million) much less than what the Catalan club are prepared to pay.
Let’s also not forget that Barcelona’s financial situation is still far from stable. The Catalan side struggled to register players under La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations, and its summer business will depend heavily on outgoings.
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Unless a major name like Robert Lewandowski or Frenkie de Jong is sold, it’s hard to see how they would even accommodate Diaz’s wages, let alone afford a proper transfer fee.
In short, Liverpool holds all the cards here. While Diaz is considering his options, he's not necessarily pushing for a move and he remains a valued part of the squad, and any suggestion that he could leave for a bargain fee is detached from reality.
If Barcelona wants to do business, it will need to come back with an offer that reflects both the player’s value—and Liverpool’s position of strength. Until then, this is a non-starter.