Ivan Perisic has apparently emerged as a shock target for Barcelona as the La Liga club continues its pursuit of a new winger ahead of next season.
Perisic, now 36, is currently at PSV Eindhoven after joining the Dutch club last summer, and he enjoyed a productive 2024-25 season, scoring 16 goals in 35 appearances as PSV won the Eredivisie.
Barcelona views Perisic as a good option to have in the squad along with its other high-profile attackers, like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. It is claimed by German outlet Bild that Barcelona's interest in Perisic is independent of its interest in Liverpool star Luis Diaz.
So even if Barca ends up signing Perisic, Liverpool would not be totally out of the woods regarding the possibility of Barcelona swooping for Diaz.
Thankfully for Liverpool fans, though, the Reds have no intention of selling Diaz, while the player himself recently said that he is happy on Merseyside.
Barcelona is reported by The Athletic to have made contact with Liverpool on Wednesday over the possibility of signing Diaz, but the Catalan club was met with a swift rejection.
However, there is said to be little expectation that Diaz will pen an extension to his current contract at Liverpool, which is due to expire in 2027.
Liverpool has reportedly attempted to address Diaz's contract situation but little progress has been made, and rather than sell him this summer, the club would prefer to maximize his performance value over the next two years and allow him to leave for nothing following the 2026-27 season.
Ivan Perisic is on Barcelona's wishlist too
Ivan Perisic is on Barcelona's wishlist too (Image: AFP or licensors)
Diaz is currently on the same terms that he agreed when he signed for Liverpool in January 2022. As such, he's paid far less than some of the Reds' biggest stars. But he was an important player for Arne Slot's team this season and Sky Sports claimed earlier this year that Liverpool was set to offer a deal that reflected his status.
A new deal, though, doesn't appear to be in the offing, and unless something changes in the next couple of years, Diaz is on course to leave for nothing in two years' time, when he will be 30 years old.
Speaking while on international duty with Colombia, Diaz said: "I’m very happy at Liverpool, I’ve always said so. They’ve welcomed me very well from day one.
"We’re currently in contact with Liverpool because we’re talking to clubs, and that’s normal given the transfer market that’s opening. We’re trying to work out what’s best for us.
"I’m just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool gives us a good renewal or I still have the [two] years left with them, I’ll be happy and content there."