“He wanted to come, but it was very difficult”: Laporta's confession about Luis Díaz
Photo: Agencies Efe – AFP
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The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has put on the table a story that already sounded in the corridors of the signing market: the strong interest of the Catalan club in Luis Díaz. This time, he said it bluntly. The Colombian wanted to wear Barca, but ran into a wall called Liverpool.
In statements a Sports WorldLaporta confirmed that Díaz was one of the players who most excited Deco, Barça's sports director. It was not a simple name on the list. It was the priority to reinforce the left end. But the negotiation did not prosper because the English club did not give an opening signal. “Liverpool closed completely,” said the president, making it clear that it was not for the lack of will of the player.
And in fact, Laporta did not spare praise: “Luis is a very complete player. I thank him for that he would like to come at all times, but the circumstances complicated everything.” A phrase that suggests the close – and the distance – that was signing.
Barcelona did not stay crossed. First he tried to sign Nico Williams, but Athletic Bilbao was equally inflexible: he renewed to 2035, suddenly closing any option. In the absence of advances, the club opted for Marcus Rashford. The English arrived on loan from Manchester United with a purchase option of 30 million euros. Laporta described him as “the option that I liked the most”, although he did not deny that Díaz also attracted him.
And now what happens to Luis Díaz?
Meanwhile, Luis Díaz's future is still involved in uncertainty. Although he has a contract with Liverpool until 2027 and in May he said he was happy in the club, the facts contradict those words. There are no advances in a renovation, and both Barcelona and Bayern Munich have shown interest. In fact, the German club already made an initial offer of 60 million euros, which was rejected. Now prepare a second offensive for 75 million, including a resale clause that could convince the English.
The sports scene is not clear either. Under the orders of Arne Slot, the Colombian has been tested as a center striker, a position he already shared with Gakpo last season. The competition hardens: Darwin Núñez continues on the squad, and the club has just signed the young Hugo Ekitike for a figure that exceeds 90 million.
Even so, he continues with the team on the tour of Asia. The next challenge will be against Milan on July 26 in Hong Kong, followed by a duel against Yokohama Marino in Japan.
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