The Reds issued a firm hands-off message to the Catalans, with Diaz a key player for Slot
Liverpool have rejected an enquiry from Barcelona for Luis Diaz, making it clear to the Spanish champions that the Colombian winger is central to Arne Slot’s plans for the upcoming season.
Barcelona reached out for the 28-year-old on Wednesday but Liverpool’s response was swiftly delivered to sporting director Deco and his recruitment team, leaving no room for negotiation.
Diaz has three years remaining on the contract he signed upon arriving from Porto in January 2022. Barcelona have a long-standing admiration for the player, with Deco publicly saying earlier in the year that he admired both Diaz and Marcus Rashford.
Liverpool’s position is that Diaz is central to Slot’s plans for next season, with the Colombian having emerged as a key option in the No 9 position.
While Diaz has not expressed any desire to leave the club, there still has been no meaningful progress on a contract extension. It currently seems unlikely that the player will renew his contract at the club.
However, Liverpool are prepared to retain him through the remainder of his deal, even if that means that he leaves as a free agent, according to the Athletic.
Diaz’s importance to Liverpool is not in question. He played an important role in the club’s charge to their 20th title, netting 13 goals to emerge as the club’s second highest scorer in the league.
