Swap deal: Liverpool wants Barcelona midfielder for Luis Diaz and Laporta is likely to agree
Barcelona has been interested in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz for months, and this interest continues as the summer transfer window approaches. The Colombian player’s father told the media last year that a move to Barcelona would be his son’s dream.
Although a move to Barcelona has been mooted for some time, it remains to be seen whether the Colombian will leave Liverpool. Recent reports have suggested that the winger’s representatives will discuss renewing his contract with Liverpool, but a departure has not been completely ruled out.
As things stand, Diaz is a key player for the Reds, but Spanish website Fichajes reports that Liverpool have set an asking price of €80 million (£67 million) and are not willing to accept anything less.
The report adds that while Barcelona is keen on signing Diaz, Liverpool’s offer is too high. Barcelona is reportedly “exploring various avenues” to complete a deal for the Colombian, including offering players as part of the deal.
If the Spanish giants are willing to make an offer that includes a player plus cash, there is an outcome that could interest Liverpool.
The Reds have a long-standing interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, and if the club are willing to include him in a bid for Diaz, a deal could be reached.
De Jong is a highly-rated midfielder, and earlier this month, Spanish reports claimed Liverpool were willing to pay €40 million (£34 million) to bring the Dutchman to Anfield.
De Jong’s contract with Barcelona expires next summer, so the club must seize this opportunity to secure a deal for him, or risk losing him for free next summer.
Barcelona is keen on signing Diaz, and this may be the only way to negotiate with Liverpool. If the initial asking price is too high, the Catalans may tempt the Reds with a cash offer plus De Jong.
