Liverpool prepared to sell star forward if Mohamed Salah signs new contract | OneFootball

The Liverpool future of Luis Diaz could hinge on what happens to Mohamed Salah, amid strong interest in the Colombian forward from Barcelona and leading Saudi Pro League clubs.

Diaz has been a key figure in Liverpool's charge towards the Premier League title this season, beginning the campaign in his familiar left-wing role but later transitioning into a makeshift ‘number nine’ due to a lack of faith in Darwin Nunez while Diogo Jota was injured.

He has more recently moved back to the left, coinciding with Cody Gakpo's fitness issues.

But speculation about a potential Anfield exit has been building for a several months. Diaz will soon enter the final two years of his contract and SPORT has tipped Liverpool to let forwards leave if they are successful in tying Salah to a new deal.

Diaz arguably holds significantly more value than others, which would be more helpful for Liverpool in terms of raising funds to invest elsewhere in the squad.

Diaz has played a major role again this season / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

The report from Spain adds that the former Porto star has become "one of the most coveted targets" for Barcelona sporting director Deco. But recruiting him has been "complicated" by Saudi clubs Al Nassr and Al Ahli, capable of offering far more money than the still cash-strapped Catalans.

Barcelona would need to rely on Diaz's personal desire to play for the club to give them a chance. Even then, Liverpool's reported asking price of €75m (£65m) is too much for their budget, although it is optimistically suggested the player could request that the Reds lower it.

Liverpool paid an initial €45m (£37.5m) for Diaz in January 2022, topped up by various add-ons. He made 51 appearances across all competitions last season, but 2024/25 has already been the most prolific of his time on Merseyside – with 14 goals overall.