Arne Slot could see many changes occur to his forward line at Liverpool this summer.
The Dutch coach’s first season at Anfield has gone better than many expected and a lot of that success has been down to the form of Mohamed Salah in the final third, with the Egyptian superstar producing 32 goals and 22 assists across 43 matches this season for the Reds.
The final week before the international break highlighted that the Premier League leaders have an issue when the 32-year-old has an off day, with none of Liverpool’s forwards stepping up against PSG and Newcastle.
There is doubt over the future of several stars in attacking roles in Slot’s squad as Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool, while Luis Diaz is also a contender to depart Anfield.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Barcelona make Luis Diaz intentions clear
With a contract expiring at Anfield in 2027, it remains uncertain if Liverpool will offer Diaz a new deal, which has led to speculation that the winger could leave the Merseyside club this summer.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Diaz’s Liverpool exit is a possibility this summer and should the Reds receive a good offer for the Colombian star, they are likely to accept it.
Barcelona have shown long-term interest in Diaz and it was reported recently that a switch to Spain is the preferred choice of the winger this summer, however, things may have changed.
According to a report from Marca, Barca boss Hansi Flick doesn’t believe Diaz fits the profile of player he is looking for at the Catalan club as the German coach wants to continue building a young squad at the La Liga leaders.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Flick would prefer Barcelona to focus on bringing Athletic Club’s Nico Williams or Ademola Lookman of Atalanta to the Catalan club instead, but it remains to be seen if Barca makes a move to sign either star.
Another issue Barcelona have in trying to recruit Diaz is the Colombian star’s asking price. The £63m (€75m) demanded by Liverpool is considered too high by the La Liga leaders for a player who isn’t seen as an immediate necessity.
There will be other clubs interested in Diaz this summer, however, with an asking price that high, they may be turned off from making a move for the 28-year-old.
Several clubs interested in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz
In addition to Barcelona, Romano recently stated that Saudi Arabian clubs showed interest in Diaz during the January transfer window, while Manchester City surprisingly had the Liverpool star on their list of targets last summer.
Arsenal are another club who have been linked to the 28-year-old in recent weeks, but Romano has nothing concrete to report on the Gunners’ interest in the Colombian star.
Interest in Diaz will likely pick up as the summer gets closer and it will be interesting to see what the Merseyside club will do with the Colombian star.
Slot has labelled Diaz as “quality” this season and the winger remains a key part of the Dutch coach’s squad. However, with an expiring contract in 2027, Liverpool may want to cash in on the 28-year-old and this summer could be when that happens.