Barcelona Aims At Liverpool Striker Luis Diaz

JAKARTA - Barcelona see Luis Diaz as the ideal candidate to strengthen their attacking line next season.

However, the 2024/2025 La Liga champion also assessed another option due to difficulties in recruiting the Colombia National Team player from Liverpool.

The 28-year-old still has a two-year contract remaining with Liverpool, which expires in 2027, but earlier this month he hinted he would extend his stay at Anfield.

However, according to ESPN reports, Barcelona continues to explore the possibility of recruiting Diaz, with the Catalan club last week hoping to recruit wingers, centre-backs and full-backs in this summer's transfer market.

Barcelona Sports Director Deco also told ESPN recently that there was suddenly dependence on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, adding that there was a desire to increase the depth in the striker's position when the transfer window opened.

Diaz is the player most suitable for the profile Barcelona is looking for because he can adapt to various roles.

Striker Robert Lewandowski will turn 37 in August 2025 and Diaz can help ease the burden on the Polish player.

As is known, Luis Diaz has played center-back for Liverpool several times. He will also allow coach Hansi Flick to rotate Raphinha and Yamal more.

Diaz, who has scored 17 goals this season, will also add more experience to the youth squad.

However, ESPN's sources say Barcelona's financial situation will determine whether they will be able to sign Diaz or focus on more affordable options.

The Blaugrana have also shown interest in Marcus Rashford from Manchester United and Nico Williams from Athletic Club in the past.

Rashford was an option in January 2025 before he joined Aston Villa on loan.

Meanwhile, Williams, who has a release clause of 58 million euros, was targeted last summer before Barcelona decided to sign Dani Olmo.

Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has spoken optimistically about the club's financial situation ahead of the summer exchange this week.

However, they are still waiting for La Liga's approval for several deals, including the sale of VIP seats at Spotify Camp Nou, where they look forward to returning to playing home games next season after two years at the Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys.

Once the situation is resolved, coupled with any spending, the Blaugrana will have a better picture of what businesses they can do this summer.

However, there is a confession from Laporta that negotiating with Liverpool will not be easy.