Although Liverpool is not entertaining the idea of selling Luis Diaz, a new contract at Anfield is also looking unlikely - which may come as a surprise to the Colombian, given his previous comments.
Diaz’s future remains a source of constant speculation, with Barcelona seeing an approach rejected by Liverpool this week. The La Liga champion has been continually linked with his services over the past year or so, while a move to Saudi Arabia has also been touted.
The Reds though are holding firm in their stance that the 28-year-old is not for sale, with Arne Slot thought to be planning for next season with him as part of the squad as he aims to add Florian Wirtz and others to the ranks.
Despite that stance, The Athletic has also suggested that a new contract is not expected for Diaz.
What’s more, it’s claimed that Liverpool is happy to let him run down the final two years on his current deal, having made no progress on a new contract.
That’s despite Diaz revealing just last month that talks were planned, and suggesting that he wanted to extend his stay on Merseyside.
Speaking to Telemundo, Diaz said: “Since the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team.
Liverpool's Luis Diaz celebrates with the Premier League trophy
Liverpool has rejected an approach from Barcelona for Luis Diaz (Image: Getty Images)
“We’ll be talking about it [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.”
Barcelona’s interest in Diaz was made clear recently when the club’s sporting director Deco confirmed they were looking at the Colombian, as well as Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
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"We like Luis Diaz, we like Marcus Rashford and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team," Deco said.
Diaz’s father has also talked up a move to the Camp Nou in the past, having admitted that his son is a Barca supporter.
“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there,” Diaz snr said in 2023.
“Luis is a player who finds it easy to win [fans] over because of the way he is, because of his humility, his work, his dedication. He is a very disciplined player, thank God.
“There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”