Liverpool’s Arne Slot has issued a strong clear message to Barcelona concerning the future of Luis Diaz…

Liverpool’s Arne Slot has issued a strong communication to Barcelona concerning the prospects of Luis Diaz.

Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot has provided an update regarding the future of winger Luis Diaz, who has been the focus of transfer discussions recently.

The 26-year-old player made his move to Liverpool from Porto in January 2022, with an initial fee of £37.5 million plus an additional £12.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

He quickly established himself as a key player under former manager Jurgen Klopp.

In his time with the Reds, Diaz has netted 24 goals and contributed 13 assists in 98 matches across all competitions, including an impressive tally of 13 goals and five assists in 51 appearances last season.

Despite having three years left on his contract with Liverpool, Diaz has been the subject of ongoing transfer rumors this summer.

Recent reports from Spain suggested that he had reached an agreement for a five-year contract with Manchester City, but those claims have since been denied.

Diaz is described as a devoted supporter of Barcelona, according to his father.

Nevertheless, it is reported that Barcelona has shown interest in Diaz, whose father has acknowledged that the winger aspires to play for the Catalan club at some point in his career.

“I currently have limited knowledge about Barcelona,” Luis Manuel Diaz shared with Win Sports.

“It is indeed true that Luis is a dedicated Barcelona fan, and playing for them would fulfill his dream.

“I want to express my gratitude to Porto and Liverpool for the warm welcome they have extended to him.

Luis is a player who easily wins people over due to his humility, hard work, and dedication; he is a very disciplined athlete, and I am thankful for that.

“If Luis were to join Barcelona, there would be no issues, as it is a prestigious club and one of the best globally.”

Despite this interest, Diaz remains a key part of Liverpool’s plans, with manager Slot confirming that the winger will not be leaving the club ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Slot assures Diaz’s future at Liverpool

During a press conference on Friday, prior to Liverpool’s match against Ipswich Town on Saturday, Slot remarked: “When I arrived here, I noticed a Sky Sports screen and thought, ‘Is it all about football today?’

There is certainly a lot of speculation in this country, that much is clear.

“It’s not surprising to hear discussions about Luis Diaz. Are there any players who aren’t talked about? A few, perhaps! His future lies with us because I have been impressed with what I’ve seen from him over the past ten days, just as I was last season.

“He has made a significant impact on Liverpool’s seasons, and I am optimistic that he will continue to do so in the upcoming season.”

Diaz netted two goals in Liverpool’s last pre-season match, a 4-1 victory against Sevilla, and he is expected to be in the lineup for the Reds’ game against newly-promoted Ipswich at Portman Road.