Luiz Diaz to Barcelona could pave the road for Nico Williams joining Liverpool

According to a report from Spanish news outlet El Nacional, Luis Diaz’s potential transfer to Barcelona could open the door for Liverpool to make a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams this summer.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Luis Diaz’s future at Liverpool in recent weeks. He was one of the key pieces in the attacking unit under Jurgen Klopp since arriving from FC Porto in January 2022, but with Arne Slot claiming the managerial hotseat earlier this summer, the 27-year-old could be eyeing an exit.

The Reds are ready to listen to offers for the Colombian winger and he could be prised away from Anfield this summer amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Diaz could be sacrificed if Liverpool manage to bring a new wide man to the club this summer. And that wide man could well and truly be Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

The Reds’ interest in Williams is not new; they had enquired Athletic Bilbao over a potential move for the youngster a few months ago, but his salary demands of around £300,000 a week ended the club’s interest. However, the aforementioned report claims Diaz’s potential departure to Barcelona could help Liverpool in making a move for the 21-year-old, who has set 2024 Euro alight.

Williams has been among the best players at 2024 Euro, tormenting opposition defences with his pace, unpredictability, flair and direct running. With a goal and an assist in three games, he has played a key role in helping Spain qualify for the quarter-finals, where they will face host nation Germany. The Spanish trickster’s performances at the big stage have gone unnoticed, with Liverpool reviving their interest in him.

Interestingly, Barcelona also hold an interest in Williams. This has complicated Liverpool’s pursuit of the Pamplona-born starlet as he favours a move to Barcelona, the report adds. As Chelsea have cooled their interest in the player due to the high cost of a potential transfer, the competition for Williams’ signature appears to be between Liverpool and Barcelona.

Williams has a €58 million release clause in his contract and Athletico are unlikely to let him leave for anything less. Given his age, potential, development and performances for Spain at the Euro, Liverpool must do everything possible to beat Barcelona to the winger’s signature. At the age of 21, he has a lot of scope for improvement and could develop into a sensational player under Arne Slot’s watchful eyes.

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That said, if either Barcelona or PSG come up with a tantalising offer for Diaz, we must offload the Colombian and reinvest the money in signing Williams. One of Europe’s special young talents, the Spain international would do wonders at Anfield.