Liverpool receive contract BOOST as star 'changes his tone'

Liverpool fans are widely expecting Luis Diaz to leave the club after an underwhelming season.

However, the context behind the players efforts across the campaign make for interesting reading and upon reflection, it might actually be more beneficial for him to continue with the Reds next year.

EXCLUSIVE: Richard Hughes targets TWO Serie A stars for Liverpool

Over the last three and a half seasons, the Colombian has showcased himself as a form-dependent player, who is unlikely to deliver something special when the pressure is on.

But when he finds himself in a good rhythm, then he can be unstoppable at times, relentlessly pursuing the ball and tearing full-backs' hamstrings in half during moments of dribbling brilliance.

However, while his flair might might earn himself a bit of leeway with the fans, he has seemingly not quite done enough to impress the fans and warrant a new contract. Or so we thought.

'Barcelona will have to look the other way'

According to TodoFichajes, Diaz will look to renew his contract with Liverpool instead of searching for potential transfer moves elsewhere.

The report reads: "FC Barcelona will have to look the other way. Colombian Luis Diaz, one of the options that sounded strong to strengthen the left wing of Barcelona has other plans: to renew his contract with Liverpool.

"During the course, Luis Diaz's entourage came to express some discomfort for his secondary role in some stages of the championship [Premier League]. That situation opened the door to rumours about a possible exit, and Barcelona, with Deco at the head of sports planning, showed interest in incorporating an attacker with his profile.

"However, with the Premier League conquered and his more consolidated role, the Colombian has changed his tone. The possibility of landing at Spotify Camp Now or going to the Saudi Pro League loses strength."

As such, Liverpool are not a project that Diaz is willing to leave anytime soon, although it is clear that his workload, shared with Cody Gakpo, will need to be managed carefully so he gets enough minutes.

Despite having Gakpo as a ready-made replacement, Liverpool would have been bold to sell Diaz.

A replacement for the Colombian would have been required - if only a young player who was still learning his trade - but the immediate options were not ideal, if the club wanted to retain their squad depth.

Most of the available targets are likely to require fees rising to £80m and finding someone who could deliver better attacking returns than Diaz wasn't going to be easy - his 16 goals and five assists actually place him towards the high end of left-wingers in Europe this season.

As such, this latest update on his situation can only really be looked at as a contract boost, although the players' wage demands will still make for some interesting conversations.

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister REQUESTS signing of Argentina international teammate

Currently, he is on £55,000 a week, which is recognisably low for a player of his calibre, but whether he deserves the same wages as Gakpo, or the under-performing Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez at £140,000 a week is still up for debate.

READ MORE: Angelo Stiller is the ONE to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold