Liverpool issue hands-off warning to Barcelona after Reds star is pursued by Spanish giants... but are braced for offers from Saudi Arabia
Liverpool have issued a hands-off warning to Barcelona after the Spanish champions tried to sign Luis Diaz — but the club are braced for more interest from Saudi Arabia.
Catalan club Barca asked Liverpool if they would do business and were swiftly told he was not for sale, after Mail Sport reported their strong interest in our Liverpool Confidential column two months ago.
But Liverpool are not actively looking to sell Diaz, 28, who yesterday said he was perfectly happy at Anfield.
Talking while on international duty with Colombia, the winger said: 'We (Diaz and his camp) are waiting to arrange what is best for us. If Liverpool offers us a really good renewal or since I have two years left on my contract I will definitely stay there happy and content.'
It is understood Liverpool see the matter as closed, although Saudi club Al Nassr are lurking in the background and could make a play in the coming weeks. Manchester City considered attempting to sign him last summer.
There are no plans at Anfield to open new contract talks with Diaz, whose current deal takes him into his 30s. He joined from Porto in January 2022 and scored 17 goals this season.
Barcelona are a particularly enticing prospect for South American players and several players such as Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Xavier Mascherano have moved from Anfield.
Diaz scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 50 appearances as Liverpool won their second ever Premier League title last month.
Meanwhile, his partner Gera Ponce posted an emotional message on Instagram which some fans had taken as a farewell message. On the other hand, it could just be interpreted as them insisting on their love for the club.
'From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club,' she wrote.
'We knew the slogan was "You'll Never Walk Alone", but to hear them sing it with so much passion, support us every moment and show such unconditional love... confirmed to us that here you never walk alone.
'This fan doesn't just support, it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.
'Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home. Being part of this fan(base) is a privilege. There's no doubt: they're the best in the world.
'This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms that we'll never walk alone'.
Speaking to Telemundo last month Diaz insisted he was happy at Anfield and relaxed about his contract situation.
'Yes, happy. From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team.
'We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (about the renewal). For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything.
'These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League.'
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