"It's a dream that a top club as big as Barcelona is eyeing me" – 20-year-old midfielder makes honest transfer admission
Liverpool Montevideo midfielder Fabrizio Diaz has opened up on being linked with a potential permanent move to Barcelona ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Diaz, 20, has emerged as one of the best talents in Uruguay since his professional debut for Liverpool Montevideo in 2020. He has helped his team lift the Supercopa Uruguaya trophy so far, cementing a first-team spot in the process.
A right-footed technical operator blessed with passing and work rate, the Uruguay U20 captain has emerged on Barcelona's radar. Although the player has a contract until 2026, he is expected to depart in the near future.
Speaking to FxCarve, Diaz addressed the transfer speculations involving him and the Blaugrana. He said:
"It's a dream that a top club as big as Barcelona is eyeing me. It's really a fantastic feeling. I am calm about it all right now. I know that my agent will find the best option for me as soon as possible."
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and Liverpool Montevideo have reached an agreement worth €8 million for Diaz's signature this summer. The Catalan outfit are keen to initially incorporate the Uruguayan into their 'B' team.
Should Diaz secure a permanent transfer to Camp Nou this summer, he is likely to be viewed as a successor to Sergio Busquets. While he is a natural at featuring as a deep-lying playmaker, the midfielder could also step into a holding role.
Diaz, who is renowned for his set-pieces, shot to fame due to his stellar outings at the South American U20 Championship earlier this year. He helped his side finish as runners-up with five goals and two assists in eight matches.
Overall, Diaz has scored five goals and laid out seven assists in 116 appearances for Liverpool Montevideo so far.
Barcelona eye move for versatile Premier League defender: Reports
According to SPORT, Barcelona are interested in roping in Brighton & Hove Albion star Joel Veltman on a Bosman deal this summer. They are said to have been impressed with the Dutchman's ability to play both at right-back and centre-back.
Should Veltman join Xavi Hernandez's side, he would provide competition to Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto at the right-back position. He could also step in as an emergency centre-back for the Blaugrana if and when required.
Veltman, 31, has established himself as a crucial starter for Brighton since arriving from Ajax for €1 million in 2020. He has scored one goal and registered one assist in 32 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.