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LIV star 'convinced' Wirtz arrival will force him out as dream transfer eyed

  /  autty

Liverpool have been busy in the summer transfer window and are desperate to bring Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz to Anfield next despite the club demanding £126m - and Luis Diaz believes the German's arrival will spell his end

Liverpool star Luis Diaz is "convinced" Florian Wirtz's arrival at Anfield will spell the end for him, with the Colombian forward "determined" to join Barcelona this summer.

Diaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto for around £37million in 2022 and he has largely been a success on Merseyside. He's netted 41 times in 148 appearances and arguably had the best campaign of his career last season by scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Liverpool won the Premier League.

But the 28-year-old is about to enter the final two years of his contract with the Reds and there have been fears he could leave in the near future, with Barcelona strongly linked with bringing him to the Nou Camp.

It comes as Liverpool continue negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over playmaker Wirtz, with the German side wanting £126m for their star player.

The Reds have already had a number of bids turned down - including one totalling £114m - but are hopeful of wrapping up a deal soon for a talent they believe could transform the club and be part of their midfield for years to come.

And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Diaz believes Wirtz's signing will lead to his own exit.

It goes on to say that Diaz is "only thinking about playing for Barcelona next season" and wants to capitalise on the La Liga side's interest.

Diaz also "does not feel appreciated by Liverpool" and believes he might not have many chances to seal a transfer to a team he supported as a child.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be keen to keep Diaz and play him alongside Wirtz after starting the Colombian 28 times in the Premier League last season.

The Premier League champions have already made two signings after snapping up Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for around £30m, while keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has joined from Valencia for £25m.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for Real Madrid, meanwhile, while Caoimhin Kelleher has left for Brentford in a £12m deal - and now Liverpool chiefs will be keen to ramp things up in their pursuit of Wirtz.

Liverpool remain confident of getting the deal over the line but they might have to break the bank to seal Wirtz's signature. It could lead to financial complexities and potentially even swap deals, with Leverkusen reportedly keen on the likes of Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah.