Luis Diaz’s Liverpool future has been one of the biggest questions of the summer transfer window thus far.
It’s evident that the Reds are going to be making a fair few changes among their ranks before the 2025-26 season kicks off, with players such as Armin Pecsi and Jeremie Frimpong already arriving at Anfield.
However, even though there are a couple of areas within Arne Slot’s squad that could do with strengthening, they don’t have an endless money pit to spend from, which means that players will have to be sold.
Arne Slot pictured leading a Liverpool training session.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
And, even though Diaz has been touted as one of the most likely to exit Anfield this summer, it feels like Barcelona’s attention has turned elsewhere.
Nico Williams is Barcelona’s main priority after Luis Diaz transfer becomes difficult
As mentioned, the Colombia international has been wanted by Barcelona for some time now, with him even admitting that he’d been talking to other clubs.
Barcelona have also had their first offer rebuffed by Liverpool for Diaz’s transfer, with the Reds not wanting to sell.
And, as per a new report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are once again ‘exploring’ the possibility of signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
The attacker was once called “amazing” by Michael Essien, and due to his situation being ‘clearer’ to Barcelona due to the fee they’d have to pay and his salary, the Spaniard has become their number one option.
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The report does, however, admit that Diaz has always been Deco’s ‘favourite’ option, but with Williams being 22 years old and the Colombian being 28, Williams’ age also ‘plays in his favour.’
Nico Williams pictured in action for Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League semi-final clash versus Manchester United.
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Liverpool should still look to sell Luis Diaz this summer
There’s no denying that Diaz was one of Liverpool’s best attackers last season, but with the Colombian only having two years left on his deal, now feels like the best time to sell up.
At the moment, there are no signs of the former Porto man signing an extension.
If Slot and Richard Hughes leave the renewal too late, he could be lost on a free transfer, much like Trent Alexander-Arnold was this season.
Diaz will be close to 30 years old by the end of the 2026/27 season, so even if he gives the Reds one more productive season in terms of goals and assists, there’s no knowing how good he’ll be in a few years’ time.
Of course, only time will tell what the future holds, but on the face of things, selling the attacker now, while he’s still worth a hefty chunk of change, makes the most sense.