Liverpool is not interested in letting Luis Diaz leave this summer amid interest from both the Saudi Pro League and Barcelona, with Anfield chiefs left puzzled by the rumors given Diaz's pivotal role in the club's Premier League triumph.
Diaz was instrumental for the Reds during the 24/25 season, netting 17 goals across all competitions and delivering a standout performance with 13 league goals, significantly contributing to Liverpool clinching its 20th title. He rose to the occasion despite playing out of his regular position, covering as the main striker while Diogo Jota was out recuperating from an upper body injury for nearly four months.
While Saudi side Al-Nassr has shown interest in the ex-Porto star, there has been no formal advance yet, and Liverpool is not welcoming any bids for Diaz who is deemed crucial in Arne Slot’s future blueprint for the team.
With just two years remaining on his contract, Diaz expressed optimism about continuing his journey at Merseyside, reflecting on his discussions with Telemundo last month.
"Since the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team," Diaz said.
"We'll be talking about [renewing], we'll talk about it. For me, I'd stay however many years it takes. It also depends on the club, everything.
"These are details that are worked out separately. But I'm very calm, happy and enjoying the Premier League."
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez celebrate with the Premier League trophy as Liverpool are crowned champions
Liverpool has no plans to offload Luis Diaz this summer (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Currently, Liverpool isn't planning renewal talks for a player who became a Red in a deal that could rise up to $68 million from Porto in January 2022, yet the club is unfazed by the situation.
Meanwhile, with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes recently rejecting a massive bid from Al-Hilal, it's clear Liverpool would command a hefty premium for its winger if ever an offer was entertained.
Despite some social media speculation sparked by his partner Gera Ponce's post hinting at a departure, Diaz remains content living in Liverpool, expressing sheer joy over his life in the city after the Premier League trophy parade on May 26.
Diaz, who turned 28 in January, shared his sentiments through the club's official outlets: "I feel I'm going through a really good period.
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"I'm really happy to be here, to be part of this great institution, this great club and to have great teammates around me.
"From the moment I arrived, I felt great pride. I always tried to work hard for this, and to see that nowadays things are working out for me fills me with pride and I'm really happy because that's what I work for."
Even as Barcelona shows an interest, which sporting director Deco has already touched upon along with admiration for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, nothing formal has been tabled for Diaz yet.
"We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after that, we'll discuss players to come," Deco said. "Of course, these two players, like you mentioned, they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair.
"But when you decide to go to the market, for sure, we find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring many players. When I speak with the agents of the players, everyone wants to come or stay. So this is important.
Arne Slot the manager of Liverpool celebrates with Luis Diaz after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 05, 2024
Luis Diaz is thought to still be in Arne Slot's plans at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
"The image of the club is still good. We are proud because Barcelona is still such a big club, and the way we are playing football makes players want to come."
Meanwhile, the saga surrounding Diaz's potential move to Barcelona continues into another summer, with questions lingering over whether the Catalan giants can muster the funds required to tempt Liverpool into negotiations.
When quizzed last month about Barcelona's reported interest in Diaz, Slot responded with a chuckle, questioning: "Did Deco say this about Diaz in the microphone or is that from hearsay?
"Yes, every club has his own way of doing things. I don't talk about players from other clubs. I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz. I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player and had a great season. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha!"
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.