Luis Díaz has simply accomplished his most efficient marketing campaign in a Liverpool shirt, ending second within the membership’s scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah with 17 objectives and eight assists. But regardless of his rising affect and pivotal function below new supervisor Arne Slot, severe doubts are actually rising in regards to the Colombian’s future at Anfield.
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As reported by , Díaz’s representatives have determined to postpone contract negotiations till July, sparking renewed hypothesis a couple of potential transfer to Barcelona. The choice comes simply as Liverpool had been making ready to supply a two-year extension to his present deal, which runs till 2027.
The sticking level? Wages. Díaz presently earns £55,000 per week, a determine far beneath high earners like Salah and Virgil van Dijk. The proposed new phrases would improve his wage, however in line with the report, “nonetheless fall brief” of the elite bracket.
Photograph: IMAGO
Barcelona Circling As soon as Once more
Díaz has lengthy been on Barcelona’s radar, relationship again to his time at FC Porto. Membership president Joan Laporta confirmed that the Catalan facet had been severe contenders for his signature in 2021. Nonetheless, it was Liverpool who clinched the deal – a transfer that has since confirmed fruitful.
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Barça sporting director Deco lately reignited the flame by admitting his admiration: “We just like the ahead.” Whereas monetary points on the Nou Camp might complicate issues, the truth that Barcelona have maintained curiosity is a trigger for concern.
The timing of this stalemate can be vital. With Díaz turning 28 and coming into the ultimate two years of his contract, Liverpool should act decisively. As the unique report states, “The Reds have made it clear: if Diaz declines the extension, they’re ready to promote him this summer season to keep away from dropping one other star without cost.”
Summer time Showdown Looms
SPORT’s replace paints a transparent image: contract talks might be delayed till July, a choice made by Díaz’s representatives. This transfer, intentional or not, provides strain on Liverpool’s hierarchy because the summer season switch window looms.
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An €85 million asking value has been set by the membership, although it’s understood that this determine is negotiable. New sporting director Richard Hughes is scheduled to satisfy with Díaz’s agent in July, a pivotal second in figuring out whether or not Díaz stays at Anfield or departs in pursuit of a brand new problem.
Photograph: IMAGO
Whereas Díaz has publicly acknowledged his happiness on Merseyside and his openness to staying, the lure of Barcelona – coupled with the continued wage disparity – may tip the scales.
Slot’s Triumph Complicates Choice
Arne Slot’s arrival has coincided with Liverpool reclaiming the Premier League title, a outstanding achievement in his debut season. Below such momentum, dropping a key contributor like Díaz may dent the optimism surrounding this new period.
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But the membership should weigh loyalty with logic. With Díaz nearing 30, failing to safe a long-term dedication may see his market worth diminish. Promoting now would possibly make fiscal sense – however may damage them on the pitch.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
For those who’re a Liverpool fan, it’s exhausting to not really feel uneasy about this newest replace. Luis Díaz has been nothing wanting electrical this season, and below Arne Slot’s high-tempo system, he’s thrived. So why are we lowballing him with a deal that also leaves him far beneath Salah and Van Dijk within the wage desk?
We’ve seen this film earlier than. Consider Emre Can, Gini Wijnaldum, much more lately with Roberto Firmino – gamers who left as a result of we waited too lengthy or didn’t present sufficient monetary dedication. Díaz would possibly say he’s comfortable, however delaying talks till July when Barcelona are sniffing round? That feels calculated.
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There’s additionally the psychology of the dressing room. If Díaz sees himself as very important to our success – which he’s – however isn’t compensated accordingly, how does that impression morale? Particularly when you think about we’re again on the high, with an opportunity to dominate once more below Slot. That is precisely the time we ought to be consolidating, not permitting key gamers to really feel undervalued.
After all, if Díaz needs out, we should always promote – however solely on our phrases. Not as a result of we fumbled contract talks. Richard Hughes has an enormous problem forward. Let’s hope he will get this one proper.