Luis Diaz has reportedly pinned his heart on joining Barcelona and the Spanish heavyweights are confident of concluding a deal with Liverpool open to selling.
The Colombian has ‘made up his mind’ according to the Spanish media and sees this as the right time to leave after three-and-a-half seasons at Anfield.
Liverpool have not offered a contract extension to Diaz, whose deal expires in 2027, and he could be marginalised after the expected signing of Florian Wirtz and potentially others.
The Premier League champions are said to have told Diaz, 28, that he can leave for £51 million but Barcelona do not intend to bid that high.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper SPORT, who claim Barca are nevertheless ‘convinced’ they will land their top target in the next few weeks. However, The Athletic reported earlier this month that Liverpool had rejected an approach.
Manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have both given the green light for the transfer in what has been dubbed ‘Operation Luis Diaz’.
Indeed, the Colombian has been a long-term target and Barca were interested in signing him last summer.
That attraction to his abilities has not waned after he helped Liverpool claim their second Premier League title, scoring 17 goals and assisting eight in all competitions.
Barcelona represent a natural destination for South American talents and down the years they’ve poached their fair share from the Premier League.
Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Javier Mascherano have all made their beds their after leaving Liverpool in the last 15 years.
Diaz, 28, has become a major asset under Arne Slot due to his versatility, with the Dutch head coach happy to play him on the left wing or up front.
Recently, Diaz’s partner – Gera Ponce – added fuel to rumours that her boyfriend may leave by posting a series of photos on Instagram with a caption that had a ‘goodbye’ feel to it.
She wrote under a slideshow of photos showcasing Diaz’s triumphs in the 2024-25 season: ‘From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club.
‘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.
‘This fanbase doesn’t just support, it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.
‘Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home. Being part of this fanbase is a privilege. There’s no doubt: they’re the best in the world.
‘This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms that we’ll never walk alone’.
Diaz has been circumspect speaking about his future. He recently said: ‘I’m very happy at Liverpool. 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.’
Source: Daily Mail Football
