Liverpool star keen to join Barcelona if he fails to agree new deal with the Reds amid interest from elite European clubs: Reports
Liverpool's Luis Diaz would like to join Barcelona if he fails to renew his contract at Anfield, according to Antena 2. The 27-year-old's contract with the Reds expires in 2027 but the club's attempts to tie him down to a new deal haven't been fruitful so far.
Diaz arrived at Anfield in January 2022 from Porto for a reported £37m fee. The Colombian has done a decent job for the Merseyside club so far, scoring 33 goals and setting up 16 more from 120 games.
Diaz has been in fine form this season as well, registering nine goals and three assists from 22 games across competitions. Liverpool remain eager to keep him at the club amid interest from the Catalans.
The LaLiga giants have previously been linked with a move for the Colombian, although a transfer has failed to materialize. Barcelona remain on the lookout for attacking reinforcements amid the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
Raphinha is also a wanted man at the moment, so the Catalans are keeping their options open. Diaz remains on their radar, although Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan are also in the race.
However, the report adds that the Colombian would prefer a move to Camp Nou should he leave Liverpool. The Reds value Luis Diaz at €80m, which could pose a problem for Barcelona. The Spanish giants may not have the funds to script such a big-money move, but the player is apparently positioning himself to join the club.
Are Liverpool eyeing a Barcelona forward?
Liverpool have set their sights on Barcelona's Raphinha, according to recent reports. The Brazilian first rose to prominence with Leeds United before joining the Catalans in the summer of 2022.
Although he struggled initially, Raphinha has come into his own this season under Hansi Flick. The German manager opted to switch him to the left-flank and the 28-year-old hasn't looked back since.
Raphinha has scored 17 goals and set up 10 more from 24 games across competitions for the LaLiga giants this season. However, Barcelona are under financial distress at the moment and could turn to player sales to sort out the issue.
Liverpool are apparently keeping a close eye on the situation and are planning to bring Raphinha back to the Premier League. They have already reached out to the Catalans to discuss a move. However, the LaLiga giants have no desire to let the Brazilian go. His contract expires in 2027.