Barcelona attempted, was rebuffed, and returned home with the same old problem: lack of attacking depth. The target this time was Luis Díaz, one of Liverpool's best players last term, who doesn't come along every day in the market because he possesses an aggressive, direct game. The bid was to the point, as was the reply of the English club.
According to The Athletic, Deco approached the club to open talks, only to be told the Colombian won't be leaving. As straightforward as it gets
Liverpool slams shut the shutters with conviction
No surprise Liverpool stood firm. Díaz not only finished the season as the club’s second-highest goal-scorer on 17 goals but also one of the most played players at the club. Reds' boss Arne Slot is well aware of how hard it’s going to be to replace him and does not want to lose a reliable asset. The management also made it clear that the contract expires in 2027 and won’t be negotiated. Not even with the insistent Saudi Arabian and stratospheric offers or Barça’s European pull.
Barcelona desires him but can't afford him
Anyone who desires Díaz will need to wait or otherwise open his wallet very wide. But Barcelona does not appear to be planning on doing either of those. The club is still walking the perilous financial tightrope, trying to strengthen the side without making the hole deeper.
Luis Díaz would be the perfect complement to the left side of the offensive line in a team with only two first-choice wingers: Yamal and Raphinha. It would even create space to deploy theBrazilian more in the middle. Wishing, though, is not enough, and Barça knows it better than anyone else.
Díaz would be a starter in any circumstance
It is reasonable to bid on Díaz. He’s as established a performer as it gets at the very highest level, who can deliver victories. He’s in one of the best periods of his career at 28 and has the pedigree to meet any expectation. He’s already won silverware since joining Liverpool in 2022: Premier League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, and the Community Shield.
He provides physicality, dribbling ability, end product, and winning mentality, as well as being able to play on the left wing. Exactly what Barcelona need to bolster ahead of next season
However, the English are not innocents The problem, as always, is that Barcelona is behind schedule and doesn't have money. The club does not have enough economic muscle to be able to counter other offers in the Premier League or even Saudi soccer, which has revived its bid on Díaz yet again. Al-Nassr, as an example, still has the Colombian in their sights. And although the footballer does not want to stay in European soccer, it is another thing when the zeros in the bank account are piling up. And Barça can't get remotely close to this at the moment.