Liverpool forward becomes No 1 Barcelona target, with Raphinha sale to Tottenham kickstarting huge quadruple deal
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has emerged as Barcelonaâs primary target for the left wing, though a second signing in the forward line is wanted and either deal would be good news for Tottenhamâs hopes of landing Raphinha, per reports.
Diaz, 27, has emerged as a summer target for both PSG and Barcelona. PSGâs interest stems from the fact theyâre losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid via free agency. Barcelona, meanwhile, simply wish to strengthen the left side of their attack and close the gap to new LaLiga champions Real Madrid.
Diaz is a fan favourite at Anfield, though has drawn criticism for lacking end product at times.
Nonetheless, he was a rare bright spark during the month of April when Liverpoolâs season crumbled, with the Colombian scooping the clubâs player of the month award.
But with the manager who brought him to Liverpool on the way out, speculation has swirled Diaz could follow suit.
Indeed, the playerâs father has done little to dampen suggestions his son will eventually leave the Reds for a European powerhouse.
Diaz sr. previously admitted he and his son have ânot given up hopeâ of one day joining one of the Spanish giants (Real Madrid, Barcelona).
Furthermore, the trusted David Ornstein revealed a fortnight ago that Liverpool are in the market for a new addition on the wings.
âIâve already heard from multiple contacts theyâre [Liverpool] looking for a wide player. I donât know if thatâs to add to what theyâve already got,â Ornstein said on the Athletic FC podcast.
âIs it because thereâs been speculation around the future of Luis Diaz, whoâs yet to sign a new contract, which is quite unusual for a player whoâs done so well. Heâs been linked with moves elsewhere; letâs wait and see on thatâŠâ
As Ornstein alluded to, Diaz remains on the original terms he agreed upon joining Liverpool from FC Porto in January, 2022.
Diaz is understood to earn a modest ÂŁ55,000-a-week. The impact heâs had at Anfield certainly suggests he warrants a hefty pay rise, though as yet Liverpool have shown no desire to open discussions over an extension. His current deal expires in the summer of 2027.
READ MORE: The key contract details of every Liverpool first-team player: Expiry dates, weekly wages, agentsâŠ
Diaz recently tempered expectations over a summer exit when declaring he is happy at Anfield and sees good times ahead for the club over the coming years.
But according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the chance to fulfil his dream and join Barcelona could await.
Diaz one of four wingers on the move?
They state Diaz has been installed as Barcaâs No 1 target for the left wing. Given the clubâs well-documented financial woes, Barcelona can only sign Diaz if selling a player on a 1:1 basis.
Furthermore, with Barcelona also intent on signing Athletic Bilbaoâs Nico Williams, two exits may be required.
Reports claim Barcelona have given the greenlight to selling Ansu Fati (currently loaned to Brighton). Furthermore, TEAMtalk has been told Brazilian winger Raphinha is another Barcelona will gladly push out.
Thatâs where Tottenham come in, with Spurs holding concrete interest in bringing the ex-Leeds United winger back to England.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has called for major changes to his playing personnel and the signing of Raphinha â who dazzled in a two-year stint at Elland Road â would be a statement of intent.
Given Barcelona must sell before they can buy, Raphinha moving to north London in a rumoured ÂŁ60m deal would be a clear indication theyâll soon launch a bid for Diaz or Williams.
If Fati were to depart as well, it would seem certain Liverpool will receive a bid for Diaz, though whether theyâll say yes to a sale is another matter entirely.
