Liverpool get Barcelona answer over €80m forward

It’s no secret that Barcelona have been interested in Luis Diaz during the summer transfer window.

The Colombia international, 28, is out of contract in 2027 and with no breakthrough in talks over a new deal it had been speculated that the Reds could opt to let him leave.

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That’s if an appropriate transfer offer was made - with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and clubs in Saudi Arabia all thought to be keen on the winger.

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The options facing Liverpool are clear - renew Diaz on an improved contract, let his current deal expire or else find a buyer at the right price.

Barca wanted Diaz after Williams

With Liverpool seeking €80m, it vastly reduces the teams capable of facilitating such a deal. Bayern, for example, might only be willing to pay €60m and now Liverpool have got an answer from Barcelona over their intentions for Diaz.

Earlier in the window he was described as sporting director Deco’s dream signing before Barca moved on with plans to sign Nico Williams.

The Catalans were finding it hard to put together a package which was attractive to Liverpool and Williams was seen as far more achievable given his €60m Athletic Club release clause.

He stunned the football world with a 10-year contract renewal and it led to speculation that Barca would go back for Diaz.

Luis Diaz no longer a topic for Barca

But the latest reports indicate that the former Porto star is no longer on the menu at Camp Nou. Instead Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have taken steps to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

That’s according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, who claims the England international is now Barca’s left-wing transfer priority.

Barcelona choose Rashford

“A few weeks ago, Luis Díaz was priority number one, as reported, but Liverpool rejected the approach,” he wrote on X. “Rashford is now the clear number one target. Talks are ongoing. Green light from Hansi Flick was already given days ago.”

It seems like Liverpool will have to either compromise on the fee or else face the prospect of keeping Diaz on board on his current terms. With a salary of around £55k per week, Diaz would like a pay bump but that is not likely to happen at this stage.

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The club would probably like Bayern or Saudi teams to come forward with an €80m offer - otherwise they could be stuck with a disgruntled performer for the season ahead.