Florian Wirtz joining Liverpool may cause exit as Barcelona ‘grow confident’

Florian Wirtz has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but further reports claim a move for the German could open the door for one Merseyside star to join Barcelona

Barcelona are confident they can secure a move for Liverpool forward Luis Diaz if the Merseysiders pull off a huge deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to reports. Arne Slot’s side have been heavily linked with a move for the German, who reportedly has a price-tag of around £120million on his head.

Wirtz, 22, has been one of the most impressive young midfielders in the world for many years and stood out at Euro 2024, when he scored two goals for Die Mannschaft. Slot won the Premier League title, having only signed Italy international Federico Chiesa last season but he is ready to spend this summer in a bid to bolster his squad.

The Reds are close to signing Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frompong for £30m and have also been heavily linked with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. However, some players will have to leave, and Barcelona sporting director Deco recently admitted the La Liga champions are admirers of Diaz.

The Colombian contributed 13 goals and seven assists in 35 Premier League appearances last season. However, if the Reds were to fork out a nine-figure sum on the Bundesliga winner, the Catalans believe a road towards Diaz would appear.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Hansi Flick’s side would be “confident” they can persuade the Colombian to move to the Nou Camp if Wirtz became a Liverpool player. It also states that the Blaugrana are keeping an eye on the negotiations between the Reds and Leverkusen, who have already had to say goodbye to manager Xabi Alonso.

The Reds are also believed to be considering a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who is understood to be of interest to Arsenal. If Slot’s side secures the Brazilian’s services instead of Wirtz, Barcelona’s intentions with Diaz would be the same.

Deco recently stated the club recognise Diaz’s talent, telling RAC 1: “Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect. 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.”

At the moment, there is no sign that Liverpool are preparing to sell Diaz, even with the links to Wirtz. When asked about the rumours, Slot laughed them off in his recent press conference.

The Dutchman said: “Did Deco say this about Diaz in the microphone or is that from hearsay? Yes, every club has his own way of doing things. I don’t talk about players from other clubs.

“I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz. I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player and had a great season. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha!”

In March, Diaz’s father, Mane Diaz, admitted he wants to see his son move to La Liga, namechecking Barcelona and Real Madrid as teams he admires. He said to Cadena Ser: “There was never anything serious with Real Madrid or Atletico [in 2022]. Liverpool were always more determined and concrete to sign Luis.”

He added: “We haven’t lost our hope yet. Luis is playing well and Spanish clubs are always active in the market.”

Diaz’s contract at Anfield does not expire until the summer of 2027. He has contributed 41 goals and 23 assists in 147 appearances for the Reds, ever since his £37.5m move from Porto in the 2022 January transfer window.

Wirtz, meanwhile, is also wanted by Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though the latter are said to be unwilling to meet his huge price tag. Reports also emerged on Friday that the German is ‘house-hunting’ in Liverpool, indicating that Slot’s men might be the frontrunners for his signature.

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