No deal: Liverpool slam door shut on Barcelona’s Luis Diaz approach

Liverpool have turned down an approach from Barcelona for Luis Diaz, making it clear that he is not for sale.

The Catalan club contacted Liverpool on Wednesday to explore the possibility of signing Diaz, but were swiftly informed there was no appetite to enter talks.

Manager Arne Slot considers the 28-year-old a key part of his plans for the 2025-26 campaign, and the club’s hierarchy shares that stance.

Diaz still has two years left on the deal he signed after joining from Porto in January 2022, and there has been no breakthrough in attempts to extend his contract.

Barcelona’s interest in the winger is long-standing, and sporting director Deco has remained in contact with his camp in recent weeks.

Diaz is reportedly pushing for the move, and his agent has frozen contract talks with Liverpool to force a transfer.

But Liverpool have received no indication from Diaz himself that he wants to leave, and sources close to the club insist they are not considering a sale.

Barcelona’s approach was rejected without hesitation, and there is no sign of a change in Liverpool’s position despite the ongoing speculation.

The winger was previously linked with Manchester City and remains on the radar of Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Hilal.

Their pursuit of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who was valued at around €95 million, helped Liverpool estimate Diaz’s market price.

Although Barcelona are unlikely to match that valuation, they remain hopeful that Liverpool will lower their demands later in the window.

The Spanish champions are understood to view Diaz as a more attainable target than Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli or Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.

Diaz remains one of Liverpool’s most productive attacking players and played an important role in their title-winning campaign last season.

He currently earns significantly less than several of his teammates, including Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool seem willing to let Diaz see out his contract rather than sell unless an offer arrives that allows them to sign a superior replacement.