FC Barcelona continues planning its future, and in that process, Joan Laporta has made a surprising decision. Luis Díaz, who had been one of the club's main targets in recent months, is no longer a priority.
The Colombian is not going through his best moment at Liverpool. Since Arne Slot's arrival, he has been losing prominence, and in addition, his contractual situation has caused tensions. This, along with his poor performance in recent weeks and the harsh criticism from the English press, has made his future at Anfield uncertain.
However, when it seemed that Barça would take advantage of the situation to go after his signing, Laporta has changed his target. The blaugrana president wants an even better player, and his new desire is Liverpool's great star.
Luis Díaz, Far from Barça
Luis Díaz has always been an interesting profile for Barça. His speed, dribbling, and ability to play on the wings fit into Hansi Flick's play style. However, the Barça board has considered that he doesn't improve what they already have, as they have Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in that position.
Another factor complicating Díaz's arrival is his market price. Liverpool has no intention of letting him go for less than 70M euros, an amount that Barça can't afford at this moment.
With all this on the table, Laporta has made a drastic decision: to rule out his signing and focus all efforts on a higher-caliber star.
Liverpool Prepares for a Revolution
The English team is going through a time of change. The elimination in the Champions League against PSG and the defeat in the League Cup final against Newcastle have highlighted the need for a renewal.
Several important departures are expected this summer, and Barça is alert to the movements that may arise. In particular, there is one player who has captured all of Laporta's attention.
Liverpool is willing to sell Luis Díaz to raise funds to strengthen the team, but there is another operation even more interesting for Barça.
Barça's New Target
Laporta has set a much more ambitious target: signing Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian's contract with Liverpool ends at the end of the season, and he has already made it clear that he wants to leave. At 33 years old, Salah remains one of the best forwards in the world, and his intention is to continue competing in Europe, but outside the Premier League.
Barça sees Salah as a unique opportunity, as he could arrive without a transfer fee. His salary is high, but the possibility of adding a player of his level without paying a million-dollar amount makes it a very tempting option.
Salah fits perfectly into the forward profile that Barça is looking for: speed, dribbling ability, and scoring. In addition, his experience and leadership would be a great contribution to a young team like Flick's.
Barça's Plan
Liverpool needs to free up salary space, and Salah is willing to change scenery. Meanwhile, Barça wants to strengthen its attack without making large investments.
For this reason, Laporta has given absolute priority to Salah over Luis Díaz. The operation will depend on the blaugrana club's ability to adjust its finances and make an attractive offer to the Egyptian.
What is clear is that Barça has changed plans. Luis Díaz is no longer an option, and now the main target is Liverpool's best player.