Barcelona need 'financial engineering' to sign Nico Williams alternative

Cameron Smith

Updated: 16 Aug 2024 16:33 BST
3 min read

Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Barcelona remain interested in signing Liverpool star Luis Diaz, but the Spanish giants must reportedly perform “financial engineering” to complete a deal.

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Hansi Flick’s side are pursuing a new left winger after missing out on Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and Diaz is currently one of their key targets.

Even though Barcelona are interested in completing a deal to sign Diaz, they may find it hard to finalise an agreement.

According to Spanish journalist Pipe Sierra (via Barca Universal), the Blaugrana will need to perform “financial engineering” to sign the Liverpool winger this summer.

It comes after a sensational report from El Chiringuito, which claimed that Diaz had agreed a deal to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. This was soon rubbished by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Luis Diaz unlikely to join Liverpool

Although they remain interested in Diaz, Barcelona haven’t even been able to register Dani Olmo ahead of their LaLiga opener against Valencia.

The Spain international re-joined the club for €55m from RB Leipzig, but he will not feature in their first game of the new season.

Furthermore, while Barcelona are interested in signing Diaz, Liverpool boss Arne Slot played down rumours that the Colombian could leave Anfield this summer.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to face Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Slot said: “When I walked in, the whole day is about talking about football, it’s no surprise I hear speculation about Diaz.

“Is there anyone we don’t talk about? His future is with us. I like a lot of what I saw. He has had a big impact on Liverpool and I hope he has one for the coming season.”

Diaz, 27, scored 13 goals and provided five assists in all competitions last campaign, and he has three years on his current contract at Anfield. Meanwhile, the Colombia international has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €42.7 million.