Luis Diaz set for showdown contract talks with Liverpool but summer exit still on the cards

After wrapping up only their second Premier League title, Liverpool are wasting no time making plans for next season’s defence.

According to journalist Pipe Sierra, the Reds are set for showdown contract talks with Luis Diaz, although there’s a decent chance he could still leave the club this summer.

The Colombian winger is heading into the final two years of his contract.

Liverpool have to decide whether he’s worth keeping or if they’re better off moving him on to make room for summer additions.

Diaz has blown hot and cold for Liverpool this season, but his contribution to their title win cannot be swept under the rug.

While the spotlight will be on the usual culprits, Diaz chipped in with a respectable 12 goals and seven assists in 33 Premier League games.

He also scored three times in nine Champions League games, although Liverpool were stopped in their tracks in the round of 16.

Despite his contributions, Diaz’s long-term future hangs in the balance.

Arne Slot has managed to get him firing, but his stop-start campaign has forced Liverpool to explore other options.

The Reds want to refresh their forward line, and a couple of big names make way.

Liverpool have had their hands full with securing the core of Slot’s team over the past few months.

They’ve managed to tie Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to new two-year deals, but that trick hasn’t worked on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has his head turned by interest from Real Madrid.

There is no official confirmation yet, but there’s a general feeling that the England international will join them on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Liverpool seem to have accepted defeat in that fight. It’s only fair that other soon-to-be out-of-contract stars are now getting their turn at the negotiating table.

Aside from Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are also set for contract reviews, although the latter is more likely to leave the club than get a bumper deal.

Barcelona will be waiting to see the outcome of the meeting between Diaz and Liverpool.

The Catalan giants have a long-standing interest in the Colombian winger and could be ready to pounce if he’s deemed surplus to requirements.