Liverpool are adamant they will not entertain the possibility of allowing Luis Diaz to head through the exit door for less than their valuation and they will only sanction his Anfield departure on their terms after he has been the subject of interest from Barcelona and Al-Nassr, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Reds are increasingly confident of being able to land Milos Kerkez from Premier League counterparts Bournemouth, after the Hungarian has been identified by head coach Arne Slot and members of the recruitment department as their first-choice left-back target as preparations are made for next season.
Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived at Liverpool, after the decision was made to trigger the £29.5million release clause written into his Bayer Leverkusen contract, but the Merseyside giants are in danger of being forced to contend with formal proposals for Diaz's signature during the summer.
Reds Insist Diaz Will Only Exit on Their Terms
Merseyside giants rebuffed approach for Colombia international
Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool
Liverpool are refusing to be pressured into a deal for Diaz, according to GMS sources, and they will only consider giving him the green light to embark on a fresh challenge if it is deemed to be in their best interests after Barcelona have used the initial 10-day transfer window to attempt to discover whether he is available.
The reigning La Liga champions have had an approach for the Colombia international rebuffed by the Reds within the last 24 hours, in a fresh twist, and they have been warned that he is still firmly in Slot's plans after playing a key role in securing the Premier League title during the 2024/25 campaign.
GMS sources have been informed that Barcelona have been eager to find out whether Diaz is prepared to agitate for a move, having seen him enjoy a productive season in a Liverpool shirt, but his current employers are aware that they are in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to cash in.
Luis Diaz's statistics for Liverpool this season
The wide forward is on course to enter the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket £55,000-per-week, resulting in admirers sniffing a potential opportunity to pounce, but the Reds have made it clear that they will not accept a bid unless it is on their terms as they are desperate to avoid weakening their squad.
Liverpool are confident that Saudi Pro League big-spenders Al-Nassr will head to the negotiating table with a counter offer if Barcelona up the ante by lodging a bid, GMS sources have learned, leading to members of the hierarchy acknowledging that they are in control of the narrative at this stage.
Slot Aims to Tie Diaz Down to Fresh Contract
Wide forward remains key part of tactician's plans at Anfield
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz celebrates
GMS sources have been told that it will take a minimum of £68million to force Liverpool into contemplating adjusting their stance over Diaz's future as his importance to Slot has resulted in them being in discussions to tie him down to an improved contract, which would end speculation over a potential exit from Anfield.
The 28-year-old has been described as 'world-class' by journalist Neil Docking and, having been gaining admiration from Barcelona as well as Al-Nassr, the Reds are eager to convince him to sign on the dotted line after becoming one of the first names on the team sheet since his arrival on Merseyside.
But Liverpool are not prepared to simply pay whatever it will take to keep Diaz on board, GMS sources understand, and it has been acknowledged behind the scenes that he and Barcelona have admiration for one another ahead of a formal offer potentially being made for his services in the coming weeks.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot Related
Liverpool Close to Signing Milos Kerkez With Club Also Working on Third Deal
Liverpool have edged towards making Milos Kerkez their latest signing at the same time as attempting to land Florian Wirtz
GMS sources recently revealed that the former Porto talisman is open to quitting Anfield in the aftermath of clinching the Premier League crown, with Al-Nassr receiving central funding approval to make a bid as they aim to upgrade their attacking options by raiding the Premier League ahead of next season.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 05/06/2025
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