Liverpool Football Club is reportedly set to offer star winger Luis Diaz a new long-term contract, following rumours of his potential move to Barcelona in the upcoming summer.
Diaz has had an impressive start to the current Premier League season. His performance was highlighted on Sunday when he scored two first-half goals, leading Liverpool to a 3-0 victory in the Manchester United match. At 27 years old and with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €46.7 million, Diaz still has three years left on his current deal. However, in response to exit rumours and as part of their strategy for securing key players' futures, Liverpool are readying a new contract offer for him.
Current deal vs Proposed deal
Currently earning £55,000 per week under his present deal, Diaz's salary is considered low compared to Premier League standards and significantly less than that of his teammates. For instance, Mohamed Salah reportedly earns £350,000 per week while recent signing Federico Chiesa makes £120k weekly.
Liverpool now plans on reassessing the value of this former Porto winger. The club aims not only at retaining him but also preventing a repeat scenario where key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah all have contracts expiring simultaneously - in this case by 2025.
However interest from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and particularly Barcelona could complicate matters for Liverpool.
The Barcelona dream
Adding fuel to the fire is Luis Diaz’s father's admission about his son’s aspiration towards playing for Barcelona someday. In November 2023 amidst growing transfer speculations linking him with Barca move; Luis Manuel Diaz told reporters: “Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there."
This statement casts doubt over Diaz's long-term commitment to Liverpool. However, with Barcelona also reportedly chasing Nico Williams, a substantial pay rise at Anfield could potentially keep Diaz satisfied and committed to the club.
Liverpool is taking proactive steps in response to exit rumours surrounding Luis Diaz. By offering him a new contract that reflects his value and contribution to the team, they hope not only to retain him but also secure their long-term future. Whether this move will be enough given Diaz's 'Barcelona dream' remains uncertain. Regardless, it promises an interesting development for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike as we approach the summer transfer window.
