FC Barcelona continues shaping its squad for the next season and one of the names that has gained more strength in recent days is Luis Díaz. The winger, currently at Liverpool, has expressed his interest in wearing the blaugrana jersey, but for the signing, he has set four key conditions.
Luis Díaz was already on Barça's radar last summer when he was offered to the club, but the delicate financial situation of the culé entity made the operation impossible. Now, with a more favorable outlook, the player has once again offered himself to Joan Laporta through intermediaries, who claim that the operation could be closed soon.
Luis Díaz, a Barça Follower with Guardiola's Blessing
The Colombian has never hidden his admiration for Barça and its play style. He has been a loyal follower of the team for years and, according to close sources, has spoken several times with Pep Guardiola about the history and philosophy of the Catalan club.
Guardiola, who managed the best Barça in history, has given him advice on what it means to play at Camp Nou. According to reports, in one of those conversations, the coach made it clear that signing for Barça is not like signing for any other team:
"Luis, Barça is special. It's not enough to win, the fans want you to play well and entertain. If you prepare well, you can succeed there."
Those words seem to have resonated deeply with the Colombian, who is now determined to sign for Barça, albeit with certain guarantees.
The 4 Conditions Luis Díaz Demands to Sign for Barça
The signing of Luis Díaz would be great news for Barça, as he would fit perfectly into Hansi Flick's scheme. Bringing imbalance, speed and goals. However, the player has set four conditions that must be met before closing the deal.
- Maintain His Current Salary
Luis Díaz earns about 7 million euros net annually at Liverpool, a high figure for Barça's economy. However, the Colombian winger is not willing to lower his salary. He wants to maintain his current conditions and expects the blaugrana club to make an economic effort.
- Transfer to Be Closed Before August
The Colombian doesn't want uncertainty about his future. He has requested that if Barça really wants him, the operation be closed before August, so he can complete the preseason. He doesn't want to arrive at the last minute, as has happened with other recent signings.
- A Personal Fitness Coach
Luis Díaz is an explosive footballer who bases much of his game on speed and dribbling. He knows that playing at Barça involves a brutal physical and technical effort. Therefore, he has demanded that the club provide him with a personal fitness coach, with whom he can work outside of group training to maintain his level.
- A Key Role in the Team
Although he knows that competition will be tough, Luis Díaz wants guarantees that he will be an important piece in Flick's plans. He doesn't demand an undisputed starting position, but he does want regular minutes and a key role in the team's offense.
Barça Bets on Luis Díaz as Its Star Signing
From the sports management, both Deco and Laporta view his incorporation favorably. They believe he is a player with the perfect profile to strengthen the squad. Especially considering that the signing of Nico Williams seems increasingly complicated due to the high cost of his release clause.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick has already given his approval. The German coach wants to add a left winger who can bring imbalance and goals. Luis Díaz meets those requirements, although Flick has made it clear that he will not make promises of a starting position to any player.
Another key point in this operation is Liverpool's stance. Although the English team has not declared Luis Díaz transferable, their financial situation is not the best, and they could be open to a sale if Barça presents an offer.
It is estimated that the transfer could be around 60-70 million euros, a high figure, but one that Barça will try to negotiate.
Luis Díaz or Nico Williams? Barça's Big Decision
The blaugrana club has two options on the table:
Luis Díaz, who would be willing to leave Liverpool and wants to play for Barça.
Nico Williams, an option that the management likes a lot, but which requires paying his 60 million clause.
Barça knows it can't afford two signings of this caliber in the same window, so it will have to decide which is the best bet to strengthen the left wing.
Luis Díaz is excited about the possibility of playing for Barça, but his signing will not be easy. The club will have to crunch numbers and negotiate with Liverpool to find the best formula.
If Joan Laporta and Deco manage to meet his four conditions, the Colombian will be ready to pack his bags and land at Camp Nou. Otherwise, Barça will have to look for other alternatives in the market.
What is clear is that Luis Díaz is willing to wait, but not indefinitely. Now the ball is in Barça's court.