Liverpool are set to do a little bit of tinkering with the squad ahead of Arne Slot’s arrival.
The Reds have a nicely balanced group, with a good final season under Jurgen Klopp showing that they’re not too far away.
Nevertheless, things aren’t quite perfect. There is obviously the need for a new centre-back, with strong links to Lille’s Leny Yoro cause for excitement.
On top of that, Liverpool also look likely to sign a new forward this summer. Although they have an elite set of attacking options, a little more was needed from them during 2023/24.
With that in mind, a new man being brought in could lead to one of the old faces dropping out.
Deco leading Barcelona’s chase for Luis Diaz
Aside from perhaps Diogo Jota, you could make a case for any of the Liverpool forwards to be sold this summer. Even with Jota, his injury record could mean it’s worth cashing in if a big offer is forthcoming.
However, we don’t think that will happen. Nor does it seem reasonable that Cody Gakpo could be sold after just 18 months at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah seems more likely to stay than leave, while Darwin Nunez’s future has also been all but assured.
That leaves Luis Diaz. And rumours have indeed been circulating over recent months that Diaz could be on his way out.
According to Spanish outlet AS Diario, Barcelona are the team pushing hardest to prise the £50m Colombian away from Liverpool. They claim that a meeting has even already taken place between Barca and Diaz’s agents.
The man leading the charge for the Catalans is said to be former player Deco. Having also played for Porto during his career, Deco has reportedly been following Diaz since his time in Portugal. He’s a big fan.
Things will not be easy for Barca, though. Cash-strapped as they are, it’s claimed that they would have to sell Raphinha before even thinking about trying for Diaz. Even then, the negotiation with Liverpool would reportedly be ‘tough.’
Who is Deco?
Slightly older fans will need little introduction to Deco, who was a hugely gifted player for Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea during the 2000’s.
Having won the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2004, Deco then joined Barcelona, where he tasted victory in the same competition again, in 2006.
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After leaving Barca in 2008, the Brazilian born Portugal international moved to Chelsea. In two years at Stamford Bridge, Deco won the Premier League and two FA Cups.
Since retiring, the 47-year-old has tried his hand at being an agent, and was even part of the deal that took Fabinho to Liverpool in 2018.
Leaving that world behind, Deco re-joined Barcelona as their new sporting director last summer.