Liverpool is reportedly open to entertaining offers for Luis Diaz as they aim to secure Mohamed Salah to a fresh contract deal. With Salah, 31, being courted by Paris Saint-Germain and notably the Saudi Pro League, speculation mounts as his current Liverpool tenure draws closer to its conclusion. The Egyptian forward has slightly over a year remaining on his Anfield contract, and his status as Saudi Arabia’s top transfer priority sets the stage for a potential summer transfer saga, with the wealth-laden league poised for further extravagance.
While Salah is leaning towards extending his stay with Liverpool, formalizing the agreement remains pending. However, the prospect of Salah’s contract renewal could signify the end of Diaz’s tenure at Anfield, as per reports from The Sun. Spanish clubs have reportedly cast their gaze on the Colombian winger, prompting Liverpool to entertain offers provided Salah’s contract situation is resolved satisfactorily.
The prevailing attacking options within Liverpool’s ranks hint at the rationale behind the club’s openness to Diaz’s potential departure this summer. Nevertheless, any decision concerning Diaz’s future awaits the appointment of Liverpool’s new manager, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso emerging as a front-runner to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
Should Diaz depart Liverpool, the opportunity arises for Barcelona to secure their ideal left winger, as highlighted by The Sun’s reports. With several Spanish clubs expressing interest in Diaz, Barcelona emerges as a plausible destination for the 27-year-old. Xavi’s managerial tenure at Camp Nou, often characterized by a central midfielder deployed on the left wing, may undergo a stylistic shift upon his anticipated departure, favoring a more conventional winger approach, aligning seamlessly with Diaz’s attributes.
Liverpool’s tactical evolution under Alonso, potentially embracing a back-three formation, could further impact Diaz’s role within the team. Despite his undeniable talent, Diaz’s status as a guaranteed starter is uncertain, especially with the presence of Diogo Jota. Data analytics specialists SciSports identify Barcelona as the ideal fit for Diaz, given the club’s superior ‘Club Fit’ score compared to Liverpool, signaling a logical destination for the Colombian winger.
Diaz’s recent resurgence, marked by three goals and two assists in his last five Premier League outings, underscores his return to form following a setback due to a knee injury in 2022. Despite his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) standing at €42 million, Barcelona’s financial feasibility for Diaz’s acquisition remains uncertain. However, should a deal materialize, Diaz promises to be a valuable addition to the Catalan giants’ squad.