Joan Laporta had set his sights on bringing in one of the most unbalancing wingers on the European scene. The Barcelona president dreamed of a signing that would shake up the market. Meanwhile, Deco was also working in that direction, but the footballer hasn't replied as expected in Camp Nou offices; his answer has been clear and direct: no.
Although Dani Olmo's name is still being heard in the club's corridors, this time the main protagonist is another Spanish international. One who's making a huge impact at the Euros and has been key in Luis de la Fuente's system. His performance has been so outstanding that he's caught the attention of several European giants, but despite the interest and Laporta's calls, he's decided not to wear the blaugrana jersey.
The player doesn't see his arrival at Barça as clear, neither from a sporting nor financial perspective; he believes the project isn't mature enough yet to take that step. Although Deco has insisted several times, the footballer and his camp have preferred to wait for other offers. So the Catalan club has had to move quickly and change its target.
Strong bet from Deco
The big beneficiary of this plot twist could be at Anfield, Luis Díaz enters the scene strongly, the Colombian has recently been one of Liverpool's standout figures. His style fits Barça like a glove. A pure winger, vertical, with dribbling and goal-scoring ability, exactly what Hansi Flick's team needs.
Deco de Souza has already spoken with his camp and the interest is real; the player himself wouldn't mind leaving the Premier League this summer. After Klopp's departure, Díaz believes a chapter has closed at the English club. His desire is to take a new step in his career; the Spanish league appeals to him, and Barça offers him an unrefusable opportunity.
Luis Díaz is the signing
The main problem remains the same as always: money, Liverpool won't let Díaz leave for less than €60 million. This is a difficult figure to assume for a club still constrained by Financial Fair Play. But Deco is working on several formulas to make the deal viable; transfers, loans, and variable agreements are on the table.
Laporta doesn't want to waste any more time; the rejection from the first target has been a setback, but not a surprise, as the club already sensed that the signing conditions were complex. That's why Deco had several alternatives prepared, and the Luis Díaz option is currently the strongest. Other options like Abde have also been considered, but the Colombian is above in the priorities.
Meanwhile, from the locker room, the possible arrival of a new winger is already being discussed; Hansi Flick wants game-changing reinforcements in attack. The Colombian meets all the requirements. He's fast, aggressive, experienced at the highest level, and hungry for titles, Barça is looking to regain its threat on the wing and Luis Díaz would be the perfect weapon for that.