Diaz Contract Talks Stall as Saudi Club Prepare Major Bid

Yahoo

a day ago

Luis Diaz Future in Doubt as Al Nassr Ready Huge Bid
Interest in Diaz intensifies despite Liverpool's firm stance
Luis Diaz's Liverpool future has become one of the most pressing narratives of the transfer window. Despite the club's efforts to extend his stay at Anfield, fresh reports indicate that the Colombian winger may be edging closer to the exit door.
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According to journalist Ben Jacobs on X, 'Luis Diaz remains Al-Nassr's top left-wing target, even after Liverpool told Barcelona he is not for sale.' This firm rejection from the Reds to a major European club has not deterred Saudi side Al Nassr, who are reportedly preparing to test Liverpool's resolve with a substantial offer.
'Nassr (are) prepared to offer in excess of €85m. Diaz was open to Barcelona, but it's still unclear if he'll consider Saudi. Nassr have several other options they will now discuss with incoming head coach Jorge Jesus,' Jacobs continued.
Contract talks strained as uncertainty grows
Liverpool's attempts to renew Diaz's contract this summer have reportedly been met with frustration from the player's camp. As noted by Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, the winger's representatives feel the club have reneged on verbal commitments regarding a potential move or improved terms.
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Diaz, who still has two years left on his current deal which runs to 2027, was Liverpool's second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah during the 2024/25 season. His importance to the squad cannot be understated, yet contract negotiations have reached a concerning stalemate.
Al Nassr's pursuit continues under Jorge Jesus
Al Nassr's ambition to land Diaz persists despite their recent managerial change. Jorge Jesus, the former Benfica and Sporting CP manager, has reportedly given his approval to target the Colombian international. This continuity suggests the club's interest runs deep and is not a mere opportunistic approach.
The potential bid, over €85 million, would represent a significant profit for Liverpool, who signed Diaz from Porto for around €45 million plus €15 million in add-ons. It would also rank as one of the most lucrative sales in the club's history, trailing only Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona.
Photo: IMAGO
Financial and footballing implications
A move to Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly raise questions about Diaz's motivations and Liverpool's direction under new boss Arne Slot. With Barcelona still circling and Al Nassr intensifying their efforts, Liverpool's position, and the player's own intentions, remain delicately poised.
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Selling Diaz could potentially fund a bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, long admired at Anfield. But it would also leave a glaring hole in the side's left flank, something the current squad may struggle to fill without a like-for-like replacement of similar quality.
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Luis Diaz has fast become a fan favourite, for his flair, his work rate, and his relentless energy. Most Liverpool supporters would hate to see him go, especially to the Saudi Pro League. While the money might be tempting, this would be more than just a financial transaction, it would feel like a sporting compromise.
The failure to secure Diaz to a new contract is worrying. If the reports are true and the player's camp feels betrayed, it points to poor communication and strategic missteps within the club's leadership. That can't be the standard going forward under Arne Slot.
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Letting Diaz go might help fund a move for a player like Isak, but there's no guarantee the Norwegian would adapt as quickly or offer the same spark on the wing. Diaz is more than just a stats player, he lifts the crowd, scares defenders, and embodies the intensity Liverpool pride themselves on.
If there's any hope of keeping him, FSG and Slot need to fix this. Quickly.