Liverpool have rebuffed an approach from a huge club in their efforts to sign a prominent player this summer, according to the reliable David Ornstein.
The Reds have various players who could move on to pastures new before next season gets underway, including a host of attacking stars.
Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa have all been linked with moves away, and it would be a surprise if a couple of them didn’t leave in the upcoming transfer window.
According to The Athletic‘s Ornstein on X, Liverpool have now rejected an approach from Barcelona for the services of Diaz, even though they don’t plan to offer him a new deal:
“EXCL: Liverpool rebuff Barcelona approach to discuss signing Luis Diaz. #FCBarcelona made contact yesterday but LFC clear not for sale. New contract unlikely so unless bids land to change stance 28yo stays even if it leads to free agency.”
Liverpool must be stubborn with Diaz
At 28, there is some sense in Liverpool allowing Diaz to leave this summer, especially as the Colombian has spoken of his dream to play for Barca in the past.
It is good to see the Reds holding firm and not bowing down to the Spanish giants’ demands, however, and they should only sell the winger if a massive offer comes their way.
Diaz isn’t an indispensable figure for Liverpool, but he is still an influential player who scored 17 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, standing out as arguably the Reds’ second-best attacker, being hailed by former striker Emile Heskey:
“He had big boots to fill when Sadio Mane left, because Mane was such a brilliant player for Liverpool, and had such a crucial role. For me, Mane was arguably the best player at Liverpool during his time at the club – Mo Salah has been amazing, but for work rate and overall output, I think Mane was slightly ahead of him.”
It is still easy to see Liverpool selling Diaz in the summer, should he crave a switch to Barca and a sizeable bid arrive from them, but for now, they are doing the right thing in refusing to budge.