Luis Diaz is the subject of interest from Barcelona this summer but it seems unlikely that a deal will be done as the Catalan club does not want to pay over the odds for a player who Liverpool has no intention of letting go
Barcelona Unwilling to Meet Liverpool’s Valuation for Luis Diaz as Saudi Interest Intensifies
Luis Diaz’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain this summer, with Barcelona and Saudi club Al-Nassr both expressing interest — but neither party appears close to matching the Reds’ valuation of the Colombian winger.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have made it clear they are not prepared to offer more than €60 million ($69 million) for Diaz, despite their public admiration for the 27-year-old. Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are among the players under consideration as new manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco look to rejuvenate the Catalan club’s attack.
“We like Luis Diaz, we like Rashford… and we like other wingers too,” Deco said recently. Flick added: “I don’t want to speak about players who aren’t in my team, but of course Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford are fantastic players. I like them, and we’ll see what happens.”
Liverpool Stand Firm
Barcelona’s admiration, however, has yet to be matched by a serious bid. Reports last week from The Athletic claimed that Barcelona reached out to Liverpool to explore a deal for Diaz, only to be swiftly rejected. The Merseyside club have made it clear that Diaz is not for sale.
While Diaz remains under contract until 2027, his future is far from resolved. Talks over a new deal have reportedly stalled, and there’s little expectation that the Colombian will sign an extension. Still, Liverpool appear more inclined to keep Diaz for at least two more seasons and risk losing him for free in 2027 than to cash in now — unless an extraordinary offer is made.
Diaz’s Contract & Wage Disparity
Diaz is currently among the lowest earners in Liverpool’s senior squad. According to Capology, he earns just £55,000 ($73,000) per week — far less than teammates Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa. The wage discrepancy is especially glaring given that Diaz outscored all four last season, while Chiesa missed large portions of the campaign due to injury.
That disparity could add further strain to negotiations as Diaz weighs his options. While Liverpool would prefer to retain the Colombian’s services, their stance could be tested by the financial muscle of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr Ready to Test Liverpool’s Resolve
Football Insider reports that Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr are prepared to make a blockbuster $97 million bid for Diaz. An offer of that magnitude could force Liverpool’s hand — particularly if reinforcements are already being lined up.
The club has reignited its interest in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, a former Everton winger and Liverpool academy product who is seen as a natural long-term replacement for Diaz. Gordon is expected to cost between £75m and £80m but is viewed as a good fit under Arne Slot, both tactically and culturally.
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Summary: Barcelona may admire Luis Diaz, but their reluctance to meet Liverpool’s valuation, combined with Saudi interest and contract concerns, leaves the winger’s future hanging in the balance. While Liverpool remain firm on keeping him, a nine-figure offer from Al-Nassr could shift that stance — and spark major changes on the left flank at Anfield.