Luis Diaz Has Asked to Leave Liverpool to Join Spanish Giants – Report | OneFootball

Luis Diaz Set to Push for Liverpool Exit Amid Barcelona and Bayern Interest

Luis Diaz is expected to inform Liverpool of his desire to leave the club as players return for pre-season training. According to Sport, the Colombian winger is prepared to begin the formal process of seeking a transfer away from Anfield, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich emerging as his top suitors.

The 28-year-old believes his “cycle” at Liverpool is over. It marks a significant shift in the summer narrative surrounding Arne Slot’s side, who are fresh off a title-winning campaign yet now face the prospect of losing one of their most dangerous attacking players.

Liverpool, for their part, have reportedly set an asking price of €80 million. While Bayern Munich have kept tabs on Diaz, it is Barcelona who are said to be leading the charge. However, the Spanish giants are not prepared to meet the Reds’ valuation, which they view as excessive.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Roadblock for Barcelona

Barcelona’s admiration for Diaz has been long-standing, but their financial reality presents a major obstacle. As Sport outlines, the Catalan club “aren’t willing to pay” the €80 million required, making any potential deal extremely difficult in its current form.

Despite this, Diaz appears determined to force the issue. Reports indicate that the Colombian international may use his talks today to push for Liverpool to lower their valuation in a bid to accelerate a move.

Some sources claim Diaz already has an agreement in principle with the club to leave, provided a suitable offer arrives. Still, that clause hinges on Liverpool receiving their full asking price, which remains unlikely under Barcelona’s current constraints.

Liverpool Stand Firm on Valuation

Liverpool have become known for their disciplined approach to the transfer market, and there is little expectation they will budge easily. The club have previously shown they are willing to keep hold of players even if it means letting them go for free at the end of their contracts.

“Liverpool aren’t a club that sells cheap,” notes Sport, adding, “They’ve shown a desire to hold into players for longer, if need be.” That precedent places Diaz in a difficult position. If his desire to leave is not met with serious bids, he may be left in limbo.

Whether Diaz’s reported request today leads to a softened stance from Liverpool, or a more aggressive posture from the player himself, remains to be seen.

What Next for Arne Slot and the Squad?

Slot’s first major challenge since winning the Premier League title could now revolve around managing an unsettled star. Diaz featured prominently under both Jurgen Klopp and Slot, but if the Colombian pushes harder for an exit, it could impact squad harmony.

Bayern’s hesitancy and Barcelona’s lack of funds leave limited pathways for Diaz. Unless a third-party club enters the race or Barcelona adjust their financial structure, the forward may find himself stuck at Anfield longer than intended.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this is deeply frustrating. Diaz has been a standout player, and while his form has been inconsistent at times, his dynamism and work rate have never been in doubt. What hurts most is the timing. Fresh off a league title win and ready to build under a new manager, we’re already looking at losing a key first-teamer.

The reported €80 million valuation is fair given his age and profile. If Barcelona want him, they should pay up, not hope Liverpool roll over. We’ve seen it too many times before, big clubs trying to poach talent on the cheap. This club has moved beyond that.

Slot deserves a settled dressing room going into this season. The squad is already dealing with emotional strain following the tragic news about Diogo Jota. Distractions like this, especially self-inflicted ones, don’t help anyone.

If Diaz doesn’t want to be here, fair enough, but he must remain professional. And if Barcelona or Bayern really want him, they should meet the price. Otherwise, let him fight for his place under a manager who has proven he can win trophies.