Diaz 'names next club' if Liverpool fail to overcome obstacles in contract talks

Luis Diaz is keen to move to Barcelona if the talks over a new contract at Liverpool continue to stall, according to reports in Spain.

Diaz has emerged as one of Arne Slot’s most reliable players this season, contributing nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. His durability is a particular asset, having featured in all but two of Liverpool’s matches after playing in 37 out of 38 Premier League games last season.

Slot has used him in the central striker role at times this season and is keen to tie the Colombia international down to a new contract. While the focus for the Reds has naturally been on Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are out of contract in June, there have been conversations with Diaz’s representatives too.

Those talks are not as urgent, given Diaz is under contract until June 2027 at present, but interest from other clubs may speed up the process. Spanish outlet Antena 2 report that Liverpool are encountering 'obstacles' in their bid to extend his deal.

The 27-year-old is not agitating for a move, but is said to be 'positioning himself' to join Barcelona when he does leave Merseyside. He would reportedly 'prefer' to join Barca, but Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also in the picture.

Diaz is valued at around €80million (£66m), which should be enough to ward off Barca’s interest, given their financial situation. Barcelona have also been credited with interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, despite already boasting Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in wide positions.

For the time being, Diaz remains key to the Liverpool project under Slot and has no reason to look elsewhere, with the team top of the Premier League and Champions League and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Speaking after the 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, Slot spoke about how he sees Diaz’s role in the side. Asked where he would play now Diogo Jota is back fit, Slot replied: "People said a week ago that Darwin Nunez's numbers aren't high enough but he has now got a goal and an assist.

“Lucho can play in that position. He has done very well 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 definitely an option."

Diaz has 33 goals and 16 assists in 120 appearances for Liverpool altogether – similar numbers to those he put up at Porto. He will hope this season will end in silverware following a brilliant start under Slot’s management.