Liverpool star left in no man's land as demands scupper transfer chances

Liverpool star Luis Diaz still has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield - but faces uncertainty over his future amid talk of a possible transfer to Barcelona in the summer

Luis Diaz's chances of a transfer to Barcelona from Liverpool this summer appear to have been scuppered. The La Liga giants have seen head coach Hansi Flick decide that the Reds star does not fit the profile of player he wants at the club.

The Colombian international has been persistently linked with Camp Nou, with it seeming uncertain whether he will be offered a new deal by the Anfield side. Diaz has two years remaining on his contract but fresh terms have not been forthcoming as Liverpool attempt to handle Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah's expiring deals this summer.

Flick now prefers to build a young squad and would rather sign Athletic Club’s Nico Williams or Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, per Marca, though an attempt to land either is not certain. Diaz, 28, may have faced another issue too.

Liverpool are said to want £63million to let go of the winger in the coming months. It is not a fee that would be covered easily by the Catalan side who have endured financial difficulty in recent times, struggling to keep in line with La Liga rules.

While it has long been suggested that Diaz would be open to a move to Barcelona, the Colombian has also heaped praise on boss Arne Slot this term. The winger, who nine goals and six assists in 28 premier league appearances this season, believes the Dutchman has shown a deft touch in managing the squad.

“He’s known just exactly how to manage the group and every single player that he has in the squad, " Diaz said earlier this year, "Because it cannot be easy for any coach when he has two or three excellent alternatives for each position on the field to make decisions on who to play and who to leave out.

“It’s not an easy task but he’s been up to it and he’s also given confidence to every single player in his squad.”

This summer could see Liverpool's last opportunity to seel Diaz before seeing a drop in his value. However, in addition to the out-of-contract trio this term, Liverpool have more dwindling contracts on the horizon.

Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher will all enter the final 12 months of their deals at the end of the season. Scotland international Robertson is entering the latter stages of his career, while goalkeeper Kelleher will be expected to leave the club.

Konate's deal may prove most problematic however. The Frenchman revealed in January he had received an offer form the club but hinted he was not on the verge of signing his extension.

After confirming talks, the central defender said it was 'another conversation' whether he was close to securing his future. “I think I am really focussed on what happens now," he said. "We will see what will happen."

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