Barcelona ‘weigh up shock £72m summer move for Liverpool star’ – as Catalan club aims to find missing link in their forward line after Champions League heartache

• Barcelona are reportedly ready to swoop as striker enters final two years of deal
• The Catalan club are ready to splash to cash after losing to Inter in semi-finals
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Should Oliver Glasner leave Palace for Spurs? 

By DAVID KENT

Liverpool may have tied Mohamed Salah down at Anfield but the future of another of their star forwards is in doubt, with Barcelona ready to swoop as he enters the final two years of his contract, according to reports from Spain. 

Contracts sagas were a large subplot of Liverpool’s Premier League winning campaign, with two of the three stars whose deals were set to expire at the end of this campaign extending their deals. 

Salah and Virgil van Dijk both signed two-year extensions, keeping them at Anfield until the end of the 2026-27 season. Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, failed to agree terms paving the way for a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer. 

Now, according to Sport.es, Liverpool will have to decide whether to cash in on one of their prized assets with his value still high or convince him to sign a new deal.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in Luis Diaz, believing the Colombian can play on the left of a front three — alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions are keen to take the next step in Europe after falling short in their Champions League semi-final defeat by Inter Milan. 

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has registered 13 Premier League goals and five assists this season

Diaz, who joined from Porto for £50m in 2022, has become a key man for Arne Slot’s side

Virgil van Dijk (left) and Mohamed Salah have both signed two-year extensions at Anfield

The report explains that, with the new Nou Camp stadium expected to open this year,  the club are on firm financial ground and ready to splash the £72m they understand will secure their man. 

Earlier this month Diaz, who has scored 13 Premier League goals this season, insisted he was happy at Anfield and relaxed about his contract situation. 

Speaking to Telemundo, Diaz said: ‘Yes, happy. From the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team.

‘We’ll be talking about it, we’ll talk about it (about the renewal). For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything.

‘These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I’m happy and enjoying the Premier League.’

Diaz joined the Reds from Porto for £50m plus add-ons in 2022, and the forward has gone onto net 41 times in 146 times for Liverpool.

Often deployed on the left wing under former manager Jurgen Klopp, Diaz had been employed in a more central role often under Arne Slot, with Cody Gakpo preferred on the left.

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Barcelona ‘weigh up shock £72m summer move for Liverpool star’ – as Catalan club aims to find missing link in their forward line after Champions League heartache

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