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It feels like Luis Diaz has been linked to Barcelona ever since his arrival to Anfield on January 2022 – although through no fault of his own.

The Colombian has never played on the rumours about moving to the Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s interest in Díaz predates his Liverpool career.

As revealed by club president Joan Laporta, the Catalans explored signing the winger during his Porto days in 2021 but were outpaced by Liverpool’s swift €47 million acquisition.

This near-miss laid the groundwork for years of recurring rumors.

Laporta’s admission that Diaz was “one of our first targets” upon his return to Barcelona’s presidency in 20216 established a public narrative of interest that has persisted ever since.

Liverpool’s contract negotiations with Diaz have played directly into transfer rumors.

Despite his public declarations of happiness at Anfield, stalled talks over a new deal have kept the door ajar for suitors.

Barcelona’s hierarchy believes Díaz’s reluctance to extend beyond 2027 creates a window of opportunity – although it’s since been reported that the Anfield club will open talks soon.

But now Barcelona Sporting director Deco has openly admitted that Diaz is liked by the decision-makers at the Camp Nou:

“Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect,” he told RAC1 as quoted by Barca Blaugranes.

“We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford and we like other players.

When we go to the market there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”

“Our big priority is to strengthen what we have at home, renewals of Pedri, Gavi, Araujo, Raphinha, Koundé,” he explained.

“I understand that when people talk about signings they always think about players coming from abroad, but for me renewals are also signings.

From what we’ve seen this season, we need a player with a different profile to what we have to help the strikers.

“The composition of the squad also depends on the market.”

It’s clear that the club may have to make a decision regarding Diaz come the summer, as his contract issue needs ironing out soon.

In the meantime, the Colombian’s unique mix of determination and creativity keeps him a fan favorite at Anfield, and adding a Premier League title to his FA Cup and two League Cup medals further cements his legacy.

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