Liverpool could strike SENSATIONAL €100m swap deal with Barcelona
The future of Luis Diaz remains unresolved. The Liverpool winger is under contract until 2027 - but there is little prospect of him signing a new deal.
Having signed from Porto for £37.5m back in 2022, Diaz remains on the same terms he agreed to back then. It’s been reported that the Colombia international earns around £55k per week - a far cry from Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo or even Federico Chiesa.
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Sporting director Richard Hughes is unlikely to meet Diaz’s demands for a new contract - and so Liverpool have got a decision to make. Either they sell Diaz this summer while his value is high or they risk missing out on substantial transfer income.
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His price tag will plummet by 2026 if no new deal is agreed and right now the Reds value him around the €80m mark. Bayern Munich are willing to take Diaz off Liverpool’s hands - but German reports suggest the Bavarians will only go as high as €60m.
Could Liverpool consider Diaz swap?
Barcelona sporting director Deco meanwhile is reported to be a big fan of the 28-year-old but the Catalans’ precarious financial predicament means they will need outgoings before launching such an ambitious deal.
But perhaps there could be emerging a solution that suits all parties.
A report in Fichajes claims Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is a big admirer of both Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen and could make a combined €100m offer for the pair this summer.
Fermin is a midfield all-rounder who could provide cover in several positions - and also has a decent goalscoring touch. Christensen, meanwhile, could come in as a useful centre-back option as the Reds deal with the uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate.
The deal values 23-year-old Fermin at €80m with Christensen making up the other €20m in the deal.
Liverpool like Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen
Lopez is under contract until 2029 while Christensen, 29, sees his contract expire in 2026.
Those valuations are on the high side for BOTH players in truth. Euro 2024 winner Fermin was previously thought to be worth around €60m while Christensen barely played last season owing to injury.
A more sensible deal could price the pair at around €60m to €70m - bringing the prospect of a cash plus players deal into view.
Lopez + Christensen + cash for Diaz?
With Liverpool holding out for €80m for Diaz, Barcelona could offer Fermin Lopez, Christensen and around €10m in total with the winger going the other way.
For zero outlay, Liverpool will restock two key areas of the squad while pocketing an extra €10m for their troubles.
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The Reds are well covered on the left wing with Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz. Diaz may well be a bankable asset for the club this summer - and of course has ambitions for playing for Barca.
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