Luis Diaz future in doubt as Raphinha confirms forward will join Barcelona

Liverpool last week DECLINED Barcelona’s offer to discuss a transfer for Luis Diaz. Sporting director Deco is reported to have Diaz at the top of his most-wanted list at Camp Nou this summer.

But the Reds are not actively seeking to sell the 28-year-old and so rejected Barca’s initial attempts to conduct a deal.

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With the club valuing the Colombia international at around €75m, it wouldn’t be easy for the Catalans to do a deal in any case given their current financial predicament.

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Although Diaz has been Barca’s first choice for the left wing, it now appears that they are heading OUT of the race to sign him.

Diaz interest dropped?

That’s because in recent days, the transfer noise around Nico Williams to Barcelona has grown louder.

Spanish media reported that the 22-year-old’s entourage met with Deco on Friday and since then several Barca stars have posted on social media suggesting a deal is close.

The latest was Raphinha, who posted two egg-timer emojis alongside an image of himself and Williams to his Facebook page on Saturday. It follows a similar post from Lamine Yamal earlier in the week.

Barcelona to move for Nico Williams

Williams is now reported by Sport to be DESPERATE to move to Barca and with a €60m release clause in his Athletic Club contract it could prove to be a more affordable fee for the Balugrana.

But where will the Williams deal leave Diaz?

It’s no secret that the Liverpool player is keen on a move to Barca - as confirmed by his father. The only other realistic suitors for his signature right now would appear to be Al-Nassr.

Barca off the agenda for Diaz

But it remains to be seen whether Diaz - or Liverpool - will be convinced by a Saudi offer. Diaz is under contract at Anfield until 2027 and no breakthrough appears close for a new deal.

He is seeking a pay rise from his current £55k per week salary - to around £150k per week - but there are no signs that Richard Hughes is prepared to go that high.

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If Barca follow through on their interest with Williams, it means one suitor is off the menu. That, in turn, could bring Al-Nassr back into the reckoning.