€85m-rated attacker given Liverpool LIFELINE | OneFootball

Liverpool are set for some big changes in the summer transfer window. Although the club have just won the Premier League title, new signings are being planned by Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.

Liverpool want to add a left-back and a centre-forward but before any big names arrive at Anfield the club will need to conduct some sales.

FSG are not prone to throwing money around and it’s expected that Slot and Hughes will need to operate on a one-in, one-out basis this summer.

That means if high-profile targets are to be pursued - for example Milos Kerkez or Hugo Ekitike, then players will need to leave.

Diaz wanted by Deco at Barca

One of the club’s most bankable assets in this window could be Luis Diaz. The Colombian has hit 13 Premier League goals this season - and Slot appears to have found another gear in the winger.

The 28-year-old has even filled in at No9 for the Reds, demonstrating his versatility. His ability to play left wing as well as up front appeals to Barcelona sporting director Deco, who is reported to have made the former Porto star a priority target this summer.

The issue for the Spanish title winners is that Liverpool will ask for €85m, according to a new report in Catalonia. With their finances looking uncertain once again, the Blaugrana will have a tough time meeting the asking price.

And now questions are being asked within the Barca dressing room about the logic of adding Diaz to the ranks.

Some “heavyweights”, according to the report, doubt whether Diaz is better than what Barca have already got on the wings - despite Deco being all in on his signing.

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Barca stars VETO Diaz signing

“Liverpool has set an asking price of €85 million, a very high figure considering Barça's current financial situation,” the report reads.

“And in a dressing room increasingly involved in the club's structural decisions, some heavyweights have already expressed their concern: Is it logical to spend that amount on a 28-year-old player who, while talented, hasn't proven to be an absolutely decisive player in key moments?

“The most repeated criticism is that Luis Díaz doesn't represent a clear qualitative leap compared to what Barça already has. With Lamine Yamal established as a regular starter and Raphinha in top form, many believe the resources should be allocated to other, more important positions, such as goalkeeper or top-level striker.”

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Liverpool's Diaz dilemma

Liverpool have got a contract timebomb about to go off with Diaz. His current deal extends to 2027 and so far there has been no breakthrough in talks over fresh terms.

If the club and the player’s entourage cannot come to an agreement over a new deal then it’s expected that Diaz could be sold this summer.

The alternative is hanging on to him for another year and selling for a vastly diminished sum. Barcelona’s cold feet could ultimately cost the Reds a HUGE sum - which could otherwise have been spent on new players.