Barcelona’s Transfer Ambitions: Deco Opens Up on Diaz and Rashford Links
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has addressed the swirling rumors linking Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford to a potential move to the Nou Camp. As the summer transfer window heats up, the Catalan giants are once again at the center of speculation, with their plans under the microscope.
Luis Diaz: A Target in Barcelona’s Crosshairs?
Luis Diaz, the 28-year-old Colombian winger, has been in scintillating form this season under Liverpool boss Arne Slot. With an impressive tally of 17 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, Diaz played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s triumphant Premier League campaign. However, with just two years remaining on his contract, uncertainty looms over his future at Anfield.
Reports from Spain have consistently highlighted Diaz as a prime target for Barcelona, who are keen to bolster their squad under new manager Hansi Flick. When questioned about the club’s interest, Deco didn’t shy away from acknowledging his admiration for the Liverpool star.
“We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco revealed in an interview with RAC1. “When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”
Barcelona’s Priorities: Renewals Before Signings
Despite the allure of high-profile signings, Deco emphasized that Barcelona’s immediate focus is on securing the futures of their existing talents. “Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect,” he said. “Our big priority is to strengthen what we have at home with the renewals of Pedri, Gavi, Araujo, Raphinha, and Kounde.”
Deco went on to highlight the importance of internal reinforcements, stating, “I understand that when people talk about signings, they always think about players coming from abroad, but for me, renewals are also signings. Lamine (renewing) is the best signing in history.”
The Need for a New Attacking Dimension
While Deco’s comments suggest Barcelona’s cautious approach, he didn’t rule out the possibility of adding fresh faces to the squad. “From what we’ve seen this season, we need a player with a different profile to what we have to help the strikers,” he admitted. “Fermin [Lopez] has played as a winger and has done well. The composition of the squad also depends on the market.”
Diaz’s Calm Amid the Speculation
Amid the ongoing speculation, Luis Diaz remains unfazed. The Liverpool winger has expressed his happiness at the club but acknowledged that discussions about his future are still ongoing. “Yes, happy. From the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team,” Diaz told Telemundo. “We’ll be talking about it [the renewal]. For me, I would stay however many years it takes; it also depends on the club.”
Since joining Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for a fee of up to £50 million, Diaz has become a fan favorite. The 2024–25 season saw him hit a career-high 17 goals, including memorable performances such as his hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. He also became only the second Colombian to lift the Premier League title, cementing his place in Liverpool’s history.
What’s Next for Diaz and Barcelona?
Whether Diaz makes the switch to Barcelona or remains at Liverpool may hinge on the financial capabilities of the Catalan club and how the Reds manage the final two years of his contract. One thing is certain—the transfer saga surrounding Diaz promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the summer.
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