Luis Diaz has rejected the advances of Barcelona this summer and the Colombian has made it clear he is happy at Liverpool, which speaks volumes about the Reds' standing in the transfer market
Liverpool and Colombia forward Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz looks set to stay at Liverpool this summer, despite interest from Barcelona
(Image: LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Luis Diaz has committed his future to Liverpool, turning down interest from Barcelona in a move that highlights the Reds' growing strength on the European stage. It also marks a significant turning point in their rivalry with the Catalan giants, who had been hoping to tempt Diaz to the Camp Nou this summer.
In years gone by, Barcelona seemed to have an almost gravitational influence over Liverpool's elite talent, especially those hailing from South America. Stars like Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Javier Mascherano all made the switch from Merseyside to Catalonia, drawn by the seemingly irresistible dream of wearing the famed Blaugrana kit.
These departures became so routine that Liverpool, reeling from Coutinho's imminent £142miillion exit in 2018, added a clever clause to the deal - a £90m transfer premium for any future signings from the club. This stipulation required Barca to pay that premium on top of any negotiated fee for future Liverpool players.
That condition remained in place only until the conclusion of the 2019/20 campaign, but it was a strategic safeguard, meant to deter further raids by the Spanish club. It was especially critical during a golden era for Liverpool, when Jurgen Klopp's side surged, with players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker, and Virgil van Dijk blossoming into world-class stars.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the situation has dramatically changed. Diaz, with two years left on his current contract, has made his position crystal clear: he plans to stay put, regardless of whether a new deal is struck before next season begins.
"I'm very happy at Liverpool - I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well," the Colombian told beIN SPORTS ahead of Colombia's match against Peru on Friday. "If Liverpool gives us a good extension, or I have to see out my two-year contract, I'll be happy."
Philippe Coutinho signing for Barcelona
Liverpool no longer need to fear Barcelona pinching their best players, as they did with Philippe Coutinho in 2018
His statement resonates not just for its earnestness, but for what it reflects about the evolving balance of power between the two sides. Diaz's contentment at Anfield is a sign of Liverpool's continued resurgence under Arne Slot, who recently led the team to their second Premier League crown.
Diaz had a standout season, scoring 17 times and recording eight assists over 50 matches - his most productive spell since arriving from Porto in 2022. His rising influence is unmistakable, reinforced by Liverpool's firm declaration that he is not available for transfer.
Even if he were, Barcelona's appeal no longer carries the same weight, especially when trying to lure talent from Anfield. Liverpool have clearly outgrown their former reputation as a stepping stone; they are now a destination club - a stark contrast to what Steven Gerrard once acknowledged in 2015.
Luis Diaz celebrates winning the Premier League with Liverpool.
Luis Diaz finished the 2024/25 season Liverpool's second-top scorer behind Mohamed Salah
In his book 'My Story', Gerrard foresaw Barcelona pursuing Coutinho, noting that it might be "tricky" for Liverpool to retain the Brazilian, as "the lure of going to [Barcelona or Real Madrid] is so strong for any South American player."
But Diaz appears to have resisted that temptation, despite Barcelona's recent La Liga title triumph and their thrilling Champions League form, which only ended in the semi-finals against Inter Milan.
The infamous £90m clause from the Coutinho saga now feels like a relic of a bygone era, a symbol of a period when Liverpool relied on cunning strategies to keep their top players. These days, no such strategies are needed.
Diaz choosing to stay and with Liverpool swiftly rejecting Barcelona's advances, a bold statement has been made: Anfield is where ambitions are realised, not simply dreamed - and the Reds are no longer a stepping stone for Europe's elite - they are Europe's elite.