Liverpool Star’s Agent to Pause Contract Talks Amid La Liga Interest – Report | OneFootball

Luis Díaz’s Contract Stalemate Raises Transfer Fears Amid Barcelona Interest

Luis Díaz has just completed his most productive campaign in a Liverpool shirt, finishing second in the club’s scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah with 17 goals and 8 assists. Yet despite his growing influence and pivotal role under new manager Arne Slot, serious doubts are now emerging about the Colombian’s future at Anfield.

As reported by SPORT, Díaz’s representatives have decided to postpone contract negotiations until July, sparking renewed speculation about a potential move to Barcelona. The decision comes just as Liverpool were preparing to offer a two-year extension to his current deal, which runs until 2027.

The sticking point? Wages. Díaz currently earns £55,000 per week, a figure far below top earners like Salah and Virgil van Dijk. The proposed new terms would increase his salary, but according to the report, “still fall short” of the elite bracket.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcelona Circling Once Again

Díaz has long been on Barcelona’s radar, dating back to his time at FC Porto. Club president Joan Laporta confirmed that the Catalan side were serious contenders for his signature in 2021. However, it was Liverpool who clinched the deal – a move that has since proven fruitful.

Barça sporting director Deco recently reignited the flame by admitting his admiration: “We like the forward.” While financial issues at the Nou Camp may complicate matters, the fact that Barcelona have maintained interest is a cause for concern.

The timing of this stalemate is also significant. With Díaz turning 28 and entering the final two years of his contract, Liverpool must act decisively. As the original report states, “The Reds have made it clear: if Diaz declines the extension, they are prepared to sell him this summer to avoid losing another star for free.”

Summer Showdown Looms

SPORT’s update paints a clear picture: contract talks will be delayed until July, a decision made by Díaz’s representatives. This move, intentional or not, adds pressure on Liverpool’s hierarchy as the summer transfer window looms.

An €85 million asking price has been set by the club, though it’s understood that this figure is negotiable. New sporting director Richard Hughes is scheduled to meet with Díaz’s agent in July, a pivotal moment in determining whether Díaz remains at Anfield or departs in pursuit of a new challenge.

Photo: IMAGO

While Díaz has publicly stated his happiness on Merseyside and his openness to staying, the lure of Barcelona – coupled with the ongoing wage disparity – could tip the scales.

Slot’s Triumph Complicates Decision

Arne Slot’s arrival has coincided with Liverpool reclaiming the Premier League title, a remarkable achievement in his debut season. Under such momentum, losing a key contributor like Díaz could dent the optimism surrounding this new era.

Yet the club must weigh loyalty with logic. With Díaz nearing 30, failing to secure a long-term commitment could see his market value diminish. Selling now might make fiscal sense – but could hurt them on the pitch.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

If you’re a Liverpool fan, it’s hard not to feel uneasy about this latest update. Luis Díaz has been nothing short of electric this season, and under Arne Slot’s high-tempo system, he’s thrived. So why are we lowballing him with a deal that still leaves him far below Salah and Van Dijk in the wage table?

We’ve seen this movie before. Think of Emre Can, Gini Wijnaldum, even more recently with Roberto Firmino – players who left because we waited too long or didn’t show enough financial commitment. Díaz might say he’s happy, but delaying talks until July when Barcelona are sniffing around? That feels calculated.

There’s also the psychology of the dressing room. If Díaz sees himself as vital to our success – which he is – but isn’t compensated accordingly, how does that impact morale? Especially when you consider we’re back at the top, with a chance to dominate again under Slot. This is exactly the time we should be consolidating, not allowing key players to feel undervalued.

Of course, if Díaz wants out, we should sell – but only on our terms. Not because we fumbled contract talks. Richard Hughes has a massive challenge ahead. Let’s hope he gets this one right.