Title: Liverpool Star Eyes Move to FC Barcelona, Reports SPORT, with $72 Million Offer on the Table
FC Barcelona is reportedly prepared to shell out a whopping €70 million ($72 million) for Liverpool's forward star, Luis Diaz, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, citing Colombia's Antena 2 as its source. The report relies on anonymous sources.
Barca has been on the hunt for a versatile left-wing player, and Diaz's name has been circulating in the rumor mill. Raphinha has been shining in this position, but his natural spot is on the opposite flank. The emergence of Lamine Yamal, regarded as the best player in the world according to many, has forced Raphinha to adapt and play in a different role.
Raphinha often drifts into the center as a playmaker, and having another left winger in the squad would provide ample opportunities for both Raphinha and Lamine Yarmal to take a well-deserved rest. Flick has other players at his disposal, such as Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, who are capable of filling in the channels, but Flick's trust in them is not as unwavering as it is in Raphinha and Lamine.
During Spain international Torres's recent cameo against Real Betis, Flick opted for Dani Olmo as a false number 9, leaving Torres on the bench until the late stages of the game. It appears that Flick is more inclined to use Torres as a substitute for Robert Lewandowski rather than as a regular starter in the lineup.
Meanwhile, Barca is also keen on securing a loan move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford for the remainder of the season. However, for the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations to work in their favor, Barca may need to offload players like Fati, who is reportedly drawing interest from Premier League clubs.
Barca's recent FFP compliance allows them to present a €70 million bid to secure Diaz's services, provided Liverpool agrees to a deal. Diaz, reportedly, has expressed his desire to join Barca. However, convincing Liverpool to part ways with their prized asset may require a substantial financial offer due to Diaz's contract extending until mid-2027.
Sources:
- Liverpool target Luis Diaz: FC Barcelona to make move in 2025 - TeamTalk
- Barca eyeing Diaz to bolster attack - Antena 2
- Barca to offer €70m for Diaz next summer - Transfer Market Web
Barca's interest in Liverpool's Luis Diaz isn't limited to the upcoming transfer window, with reports suggesting a potential move in 2025. Hansi Flick is reportedly considering Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for Ferran Torres, who is seen as a substitute for Robert Lewandowski, not a regular starter. Raphinha's versatility allows him to drift into the center as a playmaker, but a loan move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford might be necessary for Barca to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, potentially involving the sale of Ansu Fati who is drawing interest from Premier League clubs. Barca is prepared to offer €70 million for Diaz's services, but convincing Liverpool to part ways with their prized asset might require a substantial financial offer, considering Diaz's contract extends until mid-2027.