Barcelona have reportedly ended their long-standing pursuit of Luis Diaz after Liverpool slapped a hefty new asking price on the Colombian winger and with two Saudi Arabian giants now entering the race for his signature, the La Liga side are understood to be stepping away from the table.
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto for £37.5m in January 2022, has been one of the Reds’ standout attacking figures this season, notching 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
Despite this upturn in output, new head coach Arne Slot is said to be weighing up his options in attack, and Diaz is among the players who could be moved on in what is expected to be a busy summer of transition at Anfield.
While the Colombian remains under contract until 2027, Liverpool are open to a sale but only at the right price.
Liverpool set firm asking price as Barcelona step aside
According to Sport, the Merseyside club have now placed a €75m (£64.3m) valuation on Diaz, effectively ending any realistic hope Barcelona had of landing him.
The report claims the Catalan side have deemed a move “impossible” under their current financial constraints, especially as they already boast two elite wide options in Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has long admired Diaz, but their pursuit has been complicated not just by the price tag, but also by mounting competition from abroad.
Saudi Clubs ready to make ambitious moves
With Barcelona out of the running, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr have stepped up their interest in Diaz.
Both Saudi Pro League sides are reportedly exploring big-money deals to tempt the 28-year-old to the Middle East, where several of his compatriots and former European stars are now plying their trade.
Should Liverpool accept an offer from either club close to their valuation, the Reds could free up significant funds to reinvest in younger, more dynamic options to fit Slot’s vision for the future.
Liverpool’s decision to cash in on Diaz would mark a significant shift in the attacking structure that has helped fuel their success in recent seasons.
However, with the forward line set for a reshuffle and targets such as Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Matheus Cunha, and Takefusa Kubo linked with moves to Anfield, the club appears ready to evolve.
If the Reds do part ways with Diaz, they’ll only do so on their terms and judging by the latest developments, that means a deal worth nothing less than €75m.
