Luis Diaz is quickly becoming one of Liverpool’s biggest transfer uncertainties. The winger, who played 36 times in the Reds’ Premier League title success last season, has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Al-Nassr, in what could be a pivotal summer decision for the Anfield hierarchy.
Liverpool is not planning to sell Diaz this window, nor are there any plans to negotiate a new contract for a player who has two years remaining on his current deal. That’s despite the former Porto man claiming at the end of the season that he will sit down and talk to the club in the summer.
The choice of whether Diaz stays or goes will surely impact the Reds’ recruitment plans, amid continued talk of a move for a no.9, while the future of Federico Chiesa could also be impacted amid reports of a possible return to Italy.
Diaz had been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona at the beginning of the summer, rumors fuelled by sporting director Deco’s admission that the Spanish champions are admirers of the Colombian.
As per Sport, Diaz remains the player “chosen” by Deco, despite talks advancing between Barcelona and Nico Williams, who was deemed a more attainable asset this window due to his release clause.
Liverpool has refused to negotiate so far this summer, claims the report, with a move to Saudi Arabia becoming a more viable option amid claims of a €85million ($100M/£73M) offer from Al-Nassr.
Nico Williams
Williams' future could have a big impact on Diaz's summer plans (Image: Getty Images)
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs recently stated Diaz remains the club’s “top target” on the left, with Al-Nassr “prepared to offer in excess of €85m”. Kaoru Mitoma and Gabriel Martinelli remain other possible targets, Jacobs adds.
His claims were backed up by Liverpool reporter David Lynch, who told Anfield Index that the Reds could be willing to sell the player if it receives a big offer.
“The big question here is whether he is ready to go to Saudi or not,” he said in a recent podcast.
Luis Diaz of Liverpool
Diaz's future has garnered a lot of interest. (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“My expectation and understanding is that Liverpool would come to the table for that sort of money [€85m]. But we’re not quite at that stage yet and we don’t know if he would want to go.
“I haven’t seen anything that makes me think he will be [ready to go to Saudi], but if they come in with a serious offer then it could be a no-brainer for Liverpool to sell.”
What comes next in the transfer saga is unclear, but Diaz’s future is a situation Arne Slot and Richard Hughes will hope doesn’t impact the good work achieved so far this summer.