LIVERPOOL FC Barcelona has activated an £80 million release clause to entice a top player from Liverpool to join them this summer, as the player has confirmed his interest in playing for Barcelona.
Transfer news journalist Ben Jacobs recently discussed rumors regarding Liverpool players Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara being potential targets for Barcelona this summer.
In his latest Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs clarified that Liverpool has no intention of selling Diaz. Barcelona’s financial limitations make a move for the Colombian international unlikely.
Jacobs emphasized that Diaz is a vital player for Liverpool and is under contract until 2027. Liverpool considers him an integral part of their squad and has no plans to sell him, despite ongoing rumors linking him to Barcelona.
Diaz’s father has mentioned his son’s long-term ambition to play in Spain, but this does not suggest any immediate desire to leave Liverpool.
Barcelona, currently dealing with Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues, would need to make significant financial adjustments to afford Diaz, adding another layer of improbability to the transfer rumors.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties mean they would need to sell significant assets to make room for new signings. Jacobs noted that while players like Jules Kounde and Raphinha are potential candidates for sale, neither player wishes to leave the club.
Similarly, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo could also be considered for sale, but substantial sales would be necessary to balance their finances before making any high-profile purchases like Diaz.
Regarding Thiago Alcantara, Jacobs explained that the veteran midfielder, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, is still considering his options. While Thiago prefers to stay in Europe, he has not yet made a definitive decision about his next move.
Earlier attempts by Saudi clubs to lure him with a pre-contract offer in January were unsuccessful. Thiago’s name has also been mentioned in connection with Barcelona, but Jacobs noted that it is still too early to determine his next destination definitively.
Jacobs’ comments provide a realistic perspective on the transfer speculations involving these Liverpool players. While Barcelona may be an appealing future destination for Diaz, the financial hurdles and Liverpool’s firm stance on keeping him make a transfer highly unlikely this summer.
Diaz remains focused on his role at Liverpool, continuing to contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Thiago’s future remains uncertain, with his preference to stay in Europe influencing his decision-making process. Despite links to Barcelona, no immediate moves are expected until a clearer picture of his options emerges.
