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Luis Diaz has been linked with a Barcelona transfer this summer(Image: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona star Raphinha has fired a blunt statement to Liverpool star Luis Diaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford amid ongoing transfer speculation linking the Premier League duo with a move to the La Liga giants.

When asked about the possibility of competing with Diaz for a place in Barcelona's starting XI next season, Raphinha has bluntly stated that he is up for the challenge as any arrival would have to prove they can 'work harder' than he does.

Liverpool's Diaz has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Spanish champions following their transfer reveal earlier this month.



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With the summer window to open in two days' time, Barca's sporting director Deco has hardly kept hush about his intentions for the coming months.

"We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players," he commented, teeing up the past week's speculation around the Liverpool star.

In 2024/25, the 27-year-old was taken on as a key player under new head coach Arne Slot and scored 17 whilst providing eight assists in competitions, with the Premier League title to show for it.

Meanwhile over in Spain, fellow winger Raphinha was having a talismanic impact - notching 59 goal contributions in all competitions - as Barca claimed the La Liga crown.

Up until very recently the Brazilian was the favourite for the Ballon d'Or award and with such blistering form, surely his place in Hansi Flick's team would be unquestionable.

That was the exact question put forward by Mundo Deportivo, who asked about the competition either Diaz or Manchester United's Rashford would provide.

"I don't mind," he bluntly responded, going on to warn: "After this season, I won't say I am a guaranteed starter or will never miss a game, but whoever comes in will have to work harder than me.

"For me, the important thing is that whoever is here or signs, works hard and helps the team.

It's important to have a lot of top, committed players."

Though Diaz has been linked with a Liverpool exit - with links to Saudi Arabia also surfacing this week - the Colombian recently confirmed his desire to stay put at Anfield if a new contract beyond the one he has until 2027 can be agreed with the club.

He told Telemundo: "Yes, happy.
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