Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has been publicly spoken about by senior Barcelona figures ahead of the summer, and the Catalan side is willing to go "all out" to sign the Colombian this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Diaz was the subject of an inquiry from Barcelona within the last few weeks which was swiftly rejected by Liverpool. It was reported by The Athletic that the Reds have no interest in selling Diaz, but also won't be offering him a new contract.
As it stands, Diaz has two years left to run on his deal. At 28 years of age, it doesn't necessarily make sense for Liverpool to increase his terms, even if that means eventually losing him without collecting a transfer fee.
According to Mundo Deportivo, both Diaz and Nico Williams have caught the attention of Barcelona. Hansi Flick's side views Diaz as the more viable option, though, given Williams' substantial salary at Athletic Bilbao.
And last month, Barcelona sporting director Deco admitted that he is a big fan of Diaz, prompting Arne Slot to joke that he likes Lamine Yamal as well.
"We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players," Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1. "When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."
Luis Diaz speaks to Arne Slot during Liverpool training
Luis Diaz has been linked with a move to Barcelona again this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Diaz has enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield since joining from FC Porto midway through the 2021-22 season. He has won five trophies and scored 41 goals in that period, with his best campaign in terms of output having just played out.
"I'm very happy at Liverpool," Diaz insisted this week while away on international duty with Colombia. "They've treated me well since the first day.
"We're talking with other clubs. It's the transfer window, it's normal. If Liverpool renews my contract, or if I have to stay the two years I have left, I'll be happy. It's up to them."
His partner, Gera Ponce, posted an emotional message on Instagram at the end of the season. Some fans took it as a sign that he would be leaving.
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"From the first day we arrived, we felt firsthand what it means to be a part of this club," she wrote. "We knew the slogan was "You'll Never Walk Alone", but to hear them sing it with so much passion, support us every moment and show such unconditional love... confirmed to us that here you never walk alone."
Diaz, though, has previously expressed his happiness at representing Liverpool. "From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team," he said last month.
"We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (about the renewal). For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League."
Liverpool.com says: Keeping Diaz next season seems most likely, as he was a reliable performer last season. A mega offer shouldn't be turned down, but a very good replacement would be needed, which isn't easy (or cheap) to identify.