The 4th Official
·7 September 2023
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·7 September 2023
In a recent report, journalist Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Barcelona could land Liverpool Montevideo midfielder Fabricio Diaz on a cut-price deal this winter. It has been claimed that the Catalan club could sign the gifted talent for a fee less than €9m but they will only move in for the youngster if Deco gives his approval.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Uruguayan club after coming through their youth ranks over the past few years. At such a tender age, Diaz has already made 122 senior appearances for Liverpool Montevideo thus far, scoring five goals and securing seven assists in all competitions.
The Uruguayan talent has caught the eye with his performances in South American football. However, he is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth at the highest level.
His current contract with the Montevideo outfit is set to run out in the summer of 2026. Thus, it makes sense for Barcelona to take a chance on him if they can land him on the cheap this January.
Liverpool’s midfielder Fabricio Diaz reacts after the end of the Copa Libertadores group stage second leg football match between Brazil’s Corinthians and Uruguay’s Liverpool at the Neo Quimica Arena stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 28, 2023. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Diaz is a tough-tackling midfielder who can get stuck in with a few solid challenges to make life difficult for the opposition at the centre of the park. He can read the danger quickly and usually clears his lines when at risk of being exposed at the back.
The Uruguayan whizkid is a good passer of the ball as well and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play as a box-to-box midfielder if needed.
At 20, Diaz has already established himself as a key performer for Liverpool Montevideo. Thus, Barcelona boss Xavi would do well to sign him on a cut-price fee in the January transfer window.
Diaz has the potential to become a future star at the Nou Camp which makes him a great, long-term option for Barca to pursue this winter. However, the Catalan club would need to be patient with his progress as he might need some time to settle into life in Spain.