Latest LFC News: Liverpool places £75M price tag on Luis Diaz amid Barcelona speculation & Euros defender linked…

Liverpool has reportedly set a valuation of £75 million for Luis Diaz amidst interest from Barcelona.

The latest news also includes discussions around Ibrahima Konate and a defender linked to the Euros.

A local journalist has revealed that Liverpool are open to letting Luis Diaz leave Anfield this summer for the right price, with Barcelona eyeing him as one of their top targets.

Diaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for an initial fee of €45 million (£37.5 million), which could rise to €60 million with add-ons.

Despite facing some challenges, Diaz has become a key player for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. However, he was sidelined for over four months in the 2022/23 season due to a knee injury suffered during a match against Arsenal.

Diaz has faced numerous challenges, including his parents being kidnapped by Colombian criminals from the National Liberation Army.

Although his mother was safely returned after 24 hours, his father was held captive for 12 days in a mountainous region of their country.

These difficulties have impacted his performance, leading to Liverpool not witnessing Diaz at his best consistently. Despite showing moments of brilliance, his record of 24 goals and 11 assists in 98 games falls short of Liverpool’s expectations.

Speculation about his future has intensified, with reports linking him to Barcelona as they prepare for a summer revamp following Xavi’s departure and a disappointing season in LaLiga.

Luis Diaz valuation

Amidst speculation surrounding Diaz’s future, Ian Doyle from the Liverpool Echo has shared an update on the Colombian player. According to Doyle, Liverpool has not received any communication from Barcelona regarding the winger, but they have placed a price tag of around £75 million on him.

Recent reports by Colombian journalist Breinner Arteta Canizares suggest that a meeting is set to take place between Diaz’s representatives and representatives from a Spanish club in the United States, either this week or the next.

Fortunately, Liverpool has no plans to sell Diaz this summer, and the player himself has expressed his contentment at the club by stating that he is “very happy” there.

Liverpool transfers: Slot sets bargain price for Diaz

Diaz’s father has also hinted at a potential LaLiga move for his son, with Real Madrid being his preferred destination.

However, with Real Madrid securing Kylian Mbappe and having no need for more attackers, Barcelona is now the frontrunner for Diaz’s signature.

After talks with Liverpool’s CEO of football Michael Edwards and Slot, it has been reported that Diaz could be signed for a reduced fee of €50m (£42.3m) this transfer window.

Slot is eager to establish himself at Anfield and is focusing on securing a new defender and a top-tier defensive midfielder.

However, he is also considering the option of selling Diaz to generate funds for significant signings in other areas.

At 27 years old, Slot is entering his peak years, but Liverpool is aware that his market value is likely to decrease in the next couple of seasons. This could make it an opportune time to sell the player.

Barcelona faces a decision between three wingers as they prepare to part ways with Raphinha to finance the acquisition of a new winger.

With Lamine Yamal now preferred on the right side of their attack, the Blaugrana are evaluating three potential replacements.