Liverpool eyeing Barcelona duo in potential Luis Diaz swap deal | OneFootball

Liverpool Could Explore High-Stakes Diaz Swap with Barcelona for Fermin and Christensen

Diaz Contract Standoff Drives Transfer Discussion

Luis Diaz’s future at Liverpool appears increasingly uncertain as contractual tensions continue to mount. As reported by Fichajes, the Colombian winger remains on the modest £55,000-a-week deal he signed when arriving from Porto in 2022. Despite his significant influence, no new terms are currently forthcoming, and there seems little inclination from sporting director Richard Hughes to meet the 28-year-old’s expectations.

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Diaz’s current deal runs until 2027, but the club are facing a strategic decision. Either they move him on while his value remains high, or risk diminishing returns with each passing transfer window. Valued at around €80 million by the club, Liverpool are open to exploring options, though suitors like Bayern Munich have so far fallen short of that mark, reportedly capping their interest at €60 million.

Barcelona Interest Sparks Swap Proposal

Barcelona are said to be monitoring Diaz closely, with sporting director Deco a known admirer. The Catalan club’s financial issues complicate any direct cash offer, but Fichajes suggests a potential alternative. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot reportedly holds interest in both Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen, raising the possibility of a multi-player swap.

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A proposal valued at €100 million has been floated, with Fermin making up €80 million of that valuation and Christensen contributing €20 million. Whether those numbers reflect market reality is debatable. Fermin, under contract until 2029, is an energetic midfield presence, while Christensen, often sidelined by injury last season, has a deal expiring in 2026.

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Financial Dynamics and Tactical Balance

Liverpool may have little appetite for overpaying or overvaluing players in return deals. A more grounded valuation for the two Barcelona assets could land in the €60 million to €70 million range. That opens the door to a possible cash-plus-players scenario, potentially involving both Fermin and Christensen, along with €10 million, in exchange for Diaz.

Such a move would give Liverpool ready-made squad depth in midfield and defence, two key areas of concern, while trimming an area where they are already well stocked. With Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo both capable of operating from the left, Diaz becomes increasingly expendable.

Slot’s Influence and Squad Structure

Arne Slot’s admiration for Fermin’s dynamic midfield qualities and Christensen’s defensive calm could shape the negotiations. With Ibrahima Konate facing contract uncertainty, the need for experienced cover in central defence is pressing. Similarly, Fermin’s energy and positional flexibility would align well with Slot’s high-intensity system.

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While Liverpool remain a club rooted in pragmatism, this potential deal could offer value in key areas, particularly if Diaz is keen on a move to Camp Nou.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The idea of swapping a proven Premier League winger for two largely untested La Liga players and a modest cash sum feels like a gamble. Luis Diaz has delivered in high-pressure moments, particularly in Europe, and while he may not yet command wages in line with others in the squad, his output justifies his place.

Fermin Lopez, though promising, has just one full La Liga season under his belt. Valuing him at €80 million seems more reflective of Barcelona’s need to balance their books than of his current standing in European football. As for Andreas Christensen, his injury record and inconsistent minutes last season are a red flag. Liverpool cannot afford another centre-back prone to lengthy absences.

There is also the concern that swapping Diaz without a clear upgrade could weaken a forward line that already looks thinner following Diogo Jota’s tragic passing. Even with Wirtz and Gakpo available, letting go of a reliable wide option without sufficient output in return feels like short-term thinking.

Unless valuations are adjusted and assurances given on fitness and fit, this feels more like a deal that benefits Barcelona financially than it strengthens Liverpool tactically.