Luis Diaz is keen to move to Barcelona if talks over a new contract at Liverpool continue to stagnate, according to reports in Spain.
Diaz has emerged as one of Arne Slot's most reliable players this season, with nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions. His durability is a particular asset as he has featured in all but two of Liverpool's games, having featured in 37 of 38 Premier League games last season.
Slot has used him as a central striker at times this season and is keen to tie the Colombian international to a new contract. While the focus for the Reds has obviously been on Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are out of contract in June, there have also been discussions with Diaz's representatives.
Those talks are not that urgent as Diaz is currently under contract until June 2027, but interest from other clubs could speed up the process. Spanish outlet Antena 2 reports that Liverpool are facing 'obstacles' in their bid to extend his deal.
The 27-year-old is not advocating a move but is said to be 'positioning himself' to join Barcelona if he leaves Merseyside. He would reportedly 'ideally' want to go to Barca, but Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also in the picture.
Diaz is valued at around €80 million, which should be enough to ward off interest from Barcelona given their financial situation. Barcelona have also attracted interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, despite Raphinha and Lamine Yamal already boasting wide positions.
Under Slot, Diaz remains the key figure in the Liverpool project for now and has no reason to look elsewhere, with the side topping the Premier League and Champions League and reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Slot spoke on Wednesday evening after the 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup about how he sees Diaz's role in the team. When asked where he would play now Diogo Jota is fit again, Slot replied: “People said a week ago that Darwin Nunez's numbers are not high enough, but he now has a goal and an assist.
“Lucho can play in that position. He did a very good job for us in that role. He has played more games as a winger, but we know he can do it. Darwin and Jota are there, but Lucho is certainly an option.”
Diaz scored 33 goals and 16 assists in 120 appearances for Liverpool in total – similar figures to those he achieved at Porto. He hopes that this season will end in honor after a brilliant start under the leadership of Slot.
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