BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.
The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.
Diaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.
The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.
And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.
Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.
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The club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.
Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.
Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.
For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.
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The report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.
Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.
Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.
According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.
The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.
Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
