Liverpool expect reaction as star REJECTS contract offer

Luis Diaz has become one of the most central players (if you’ll pardon the pun) to Arne Slot’s system as of late.

With the injury to first-choice centre-forward Diogo Jota, Arne Slot toiled with Darwin Nunez up front who was, unfortunately, not producing at the level Slot wanted.

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Instead he turned to left-winger Diaz who has, since moving to a central role, found a new lease on life. A Champions League hattrick against Bayer Leverkusen and a dominant display in the 6-3 win over Tottenham have been the highlights since the redeployment.

Yet this comes amid some unsettling rumours that Diaz is currently unhappy at the club. Anfield Watch reported in late November that Diaz had rejected a new contract offer from Liverpool as he is unhappy with how the terms reflect his contribution to the team.

And now that we are in the January transfer window these rumours are only intensifying.

Barcelona eye up Luis Diaz again

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have once again backed up these claims in a report that states Barcelona are still interested in Diaz to solidify their left-hand side.

"Díaz has a contract until 2027 but Liverpool want to extend it, something the player refuses because he considers that the offer they have made him is not in line with his weight in the team and what he has already contributed since he arrived in January 2022" reads the report.

“We will have to see the player’s reaction if Barca is serious” reads the report, rehashing the rumours from last summer that Diaz would be open to a move to Barcelona if it emerges.

As the report also states, Liverpool would be loathe to let him go in the midst of a campaign where four trophies is still a distinct possibility. However, if the price is right, Liverpool may be able to reinforce their squad with a natural striker to stem the blow whilst keeping the in-form Cody Gakpo out on the left.

Finances, however, are the problem. Barcelona once again find themselves in a scenario where they are waiting on a ruling from the Higher Sports Council on whether they can register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the rest of the season due to financial strain.

The report states that they are now operating under the 1:1 rule, where they can only spend exclusively what they bring in. As a result, any sales of players would need to match Liverpool’s asking price which will not be cheap (Transfermarkt currently value Diaz at around £71m).

Yet, if the player wants to go, Liverpool may be forced to cash in. With the contracts of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold still needing to be finalised, as well as the desire to sign players in numerous crucial positions, it may be an offer they can’t refuse.

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