In what could prove to be a pivotal development in the summer transfer window, Liverpool have made their stance on winger Luis Diaz crystal clear — and in doing so, may have inadvertently handed fierce rivals Manchester United a significant advantage in the ongoing saga surrounding Marcus Rashford.
According to reports from the Liverpool Echo, club officials at Anfield are “baffled” by continued speculation linking the Colombian international with a move to Barcelona. The club reportedly has no intentions of selling Diaz this summer, regardless of the mounting interest from La Liga giants.
This firm position from Liverpool could have major implications for Manchester United, who are battling to hold on to Rashford amid similar interest from Barcelona. The Catalan club are said to be monitoring both Diaz and Rashford as part of their wide-reaching search for attacking reinforcements.
With Diaz now effectively off the market, Rashford’s profile may rise even further — but so too might Manchester United’s leverage. The sudden narrowing of options could mean Barcelona are forced to either overpay or look elsewhere entirely. Either outcome could benefit United, who are not actively looking to sell the England international but are under pressure to make strategic decisions following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.
Rashford, 26, has had an inconsistent season but remains one of United’s most marketable and homegrown assets. There had been whispers of discontent and potential interest in a fresh start abroad, but with fewer viable suitors in the race, United might find it easier to convince him to stay — or at least command a higher fee if they do consider a sale.
From a broader perspective, Liverpool’s adamant stance underscores how top Premier League clubs are refusing to bow to foreign interest, especially from La Liga, which has increasingly turned to English football for high-profile acquisitions.
As the transfer window heats up, this unexpected ripple from Anfield might just be the boost Manchester United didn’t know they needed in securing Marcus Rashford’s immediate future at Old Trafford.
