Luis Diaz is wanted by Barcelona but Liverpool are unwilling to entertain offers for the Colombia international
SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02: Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco' gives an speech during the unveiling of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo as new FC Barcelona players at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on September 02, 2023 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona sporting director Deco has been talking Liverpool winger Luis Diaz again
Sporting director Deco has hinted that Barcelona have not yet given up on a move for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz this summer. Barca made an approach over the Colombia international earlier this month but were told by the Premier League champions their No.7 is not for sale.
The Reds have no intention of offloading Diaz this summer and are relaxed about his contract situation. The former Porto star still has two years left to run on his current deal.
Deco is understood to be close with Diaz's Portuguese representative Raul Pai da Costa and has been outspoken about Barcelona's interest in the Liverpool wideman.
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And despite the La Liga champions agreeing personal terms with Spain winger Nico Williams, who has a £52m release clause in his Athletic Bilbao contract, Deco has once more been talking up the merits of a player who scored 18 times across all competitions for Arne Slot's side last season.
"In the end, you follow a process," the Barca chief said. "Speak to the agent, look at the contract, and then see if the club wants the release clause paid or is open to talks.
In Nico Williams's case, the clause is clear.
"We have a good group, and we want to keep it that way. Players like Nico Williams or Luis Diaz have the right mindset.
"They’re hungry to succeed, and that matters. If we close a winger, no more high-level players will arrive."
Diaz has also been linked with clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
But Al-Hilal's £100m pursuit of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, prior to public confirmation of his desire to stay at Old Trafford, will inform any asking price from Anfield for their 28-year-old.
Speaking about his future earlier this month, Diaz said: "I'm very happy at Liverpool, I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well from day one.
“We are currently in contact with Liverpool, because we are talking to clubs, and that's normal given the transfer market that's opening. We're trying to arrange what's best for us,
“We’re talking to clubs, it’s normal in the market and we’re looking at what’s best for us.
“I'm waiting to see what happens. If they (Liverpool) give us a good renewal or I stay there for two years, I’ll be happy. Now it’s up to them.”