Luis Diaz

Barça have put the brakes on to try to finally resolve the signing of a winger who plays on the left. The great hope of the Blaugrana club was to complete the signing of Nico Williams and there was maximum confidence in closing the operation, which has been frozen in recent days in an incomprehensible way for Barça. Nico’s lack of definition and the harsh punishment at Gamper has set off all the alarms and the sporting director, Deco, is trying to bring in the player who has always been his favourite for the position, the Colombian Luis Díaz. He has reactivated contacts, but the signing is extremely complicated because there are more interested teams and because of Liverpool’s financial demands.

Luis Díaz’s name has always been on Deco’s table, as he knows him perfectly well from his time at Porto. The Barça sporting director has always been clear that he is a differentiating reinforcement, but the club prioritised the arrival of Nico Williams over that of the Colombian as they considered that, after the Euro Cup, it was a strategic addition on a sporting and economic level. Barça had sounded out his arrival at the time and were able to see the player’s great willingness to wear the Blaugrana shirt and there was even a meeting with his agents, although everything was put on hold.

Deco has reopened contacts but the signing is not going to be easy. Liverpool, despite the rumours in England, have no intention of letting Luis Díaz go unless there is a million-dollar offer and are not willing to accept discounts or, in principle, to include players in the operation. In recent days, clubs such as PSG and Manchester City have also expressed interest in the Colombian’s situation, but have not gone any further. Barça have asked for a price and, initially, Liverpool’s request is said to be above 70 million euros, considerably more than the club had planned to undertake this operation.

Barça could count on Luis Díaz’s complicity to put pressure on, but at this stage of the market the operations are already very delicate and Liverpool want a lot of clarity on the figures to start talking. For the moment, the English club insists that there has been no direct contact with any club, although they would be open to talks. If Barça goes ahead, they could have their chances provided that the payment conditions and the final figure are acceptable to the club.

The Blaugrana have received numerous offers from top-class wingers in recent days. There are more economically feasible operations but some of them have already been ruled out, such as that of Juventus player Federico Chiesa. Another player who is very popular, especially with President Joan Laporta, is Milan’s Rafael Leao, but in this case the figures are absolutely beyond what the club can afford at the moment. The one who is on the table is Bayern’s Kingsley Coman.

Coman was offered to Barça about ten days ago with the possibility of negotiating a loan with an option to buy. The Bayern player would even be willing to adjust his salary to come to Camp Nou and it would be a valid solution to cover the period for a season and keep him as owner depending on his performance. Hansi Flick supports him, having been under his command at the German club, and Coman maintained an excellent performance, although there are certain doubts in the sporting area due to his physical problems during the season.

Barça do not want to set deadlines for the arrival of this winger. Everything was planned to sign Nico Williams and the planning has had to change suddenly. Unless there is a last-minute surprise, that option is ruled out and the club is clear that it must try to sign a player of the highest international level. Flick has already made it very clear that he needs players who can win games and be decisive in the attacking part and the club does not want to let him down because there is a lot at stake. The arrival of this winger could lead to the departure of some of the players up front who are going to have fewer minutes. There are exciting days ahead.