Liverpool handed summer respite as La Liga giants seek internal solutions to solve recruitment dilemma

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken on his club’s summer transfer plans amid links with Liverpool star Luis Diaz

In an interview with Barca One (h/t ESPN), Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that his side could struggle to recruit players during this summer transfer window amid links with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

There has been intense speculation surrounding the future of Luis Diaz at Liverpool in recent weeks and months. The 27-year-old Colombian is being linked with a move to Barcelona, especially after his father fueled talk of a move to Spain in March. While Diaz recently insisted that he is happy with life at Liverpool, it has done little to slow down the rumours of a summer move to Camp Nou.

Barcelona have endured financial problems since signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in a record £142 million transfer back in January 2018. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants must sell one of their important stars to invest in a high-profile player during this transfer window.

Laporta has further stated Barcelona are not in a position to make many signings this summer. However, he did reveal that along with re-signing loanees Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, a winger remains on their wishlist.

“We will study what [else] is needed with Hansi Flick,” Laporta said in an interview with Barca One at the start of the month, as relayed via ESPN.

“Maybe we need to strengthen in defensive midfield. [Andreas] Christensen has helped us there, but we have to add another player. We also think there are players in the B team, like [midfielder] Marc Casado, who has had an extraordinary season. But we don’t talk about players, just about positions.

“Just as we don’t need a big transfer out, we don’t believe we need big signings. Maybe a midfielder, a winger, but we also have an academy which can help fill these positions. We can compete in Europe with a squad based on the academy. That’s what Flick has conveyed to us and what we think. We have a squad that can compete in Spain and Europe with the chance of success.”

As far as wingers go, there are few who have the same dynamism and skill set as Luis Diaz. While he could excel in La Liga, Liverpool are unlikely to entertain any offer that falls below their valuation. After all, it took a substantial offer from Barcelona for Liverpool to sell Coutinho. There is little reason to believe Michael Edwards and the Liverpool management have become more lenient in their transfer negotiations since then.

The Reds understand Diaz’s value and the critical role he plays in their squad. Any potential transfer would need to meet their high valuation to be considered. Given Barcelona’s financial constraints, it remains to be seen whether they can put together an offer that Liverpool cannot refuse. Until then, the 27-year-old will likely continue to ply his trade at Anfield, contributing to Liverpool’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

The Colombian star has become a key attacking outlet for Liverpool and, while he was profligate in front of goal at the back end of last season, he still managed to close 2023/24 with 13 goals and five assists in 51 appearances. It was a strong comeback from the 2022/23 season that saw him spend months on the sidelines due to an injury.

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The Reds, who acquired Diaz’s services from FC Porto in January 2022, have shown no indication of wanting to part ways with the 27-year-old. Currently on international duty for the Copa America, Diaz’s future is unlikely to be resolved until after the conclusion of his involvement in the tournament.