Liverpool Set Transfer Pace Early – But Will Barcelona Snatch Díaz?

The Premier League trophy may not yet be in Liverpool’s hands, but the club’s recruitment team is already working like champions behind the scenes.With the summer transfer window still weeks away, the Reds are wasting no time. Two major deals are reportedly close: Bayer Leverkusen’s dynamic right-back Jeremie Frimpong is said to have landed in Liverpool for a medical ahead of a £29.5m move. Meanwhile, talks for Bournemouth’s rising star Milos Kerkez are intensifying, with the Cherries slapping a £45m price tag on the 21-year-old left-back.And that’s just the backline.

In attack, Liverpool are far from done. The Reds are eyeing reinforcements with Joao Pedro and Alexander Isak among the names being linked. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe did little to calm speculation around Isak, whose £150m valuation hasn’t scared off admirers—yet.

But while Anfield could see new arrivals, the real twist lies in potential exits.Luis Díaz, fresh off his best season yet with 17 goals in all competitions, has caught the attention of Barcelona. According to Fichajes, the newly crowned La Liga champions have made the Colombian winger their top priority this summer. Hansi Flick reportedly views Díaz as a tailor-made fit for his vision of high-tempo, attacking football.

Liverpool, though, won’t let their man go cheap—€80m (£67.3m) is the starting price. With Barcelona’s financial struggles still looming large, they may look to structure a swap deal instead, potentially offering players in return to sweeten the deal.

Still, new head coach Arne Slot may have other ideas. Slot has publicly praised Díaz, especially after his memorable hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Leverkusen last year. The Dutchman called him a starter, emphasizing not just his attacking flair but his defensive work rate.

“Not only the people in Colombia love Lucho,” Slot said. “The fans of Liverpool love him a lot as well—and the manager likes him a lot too!”

Slot’s admiration for Díaz could complicate Barcelona’s plans. But in football, admiration doesn’t always equal resistance—especially when megabucks or tempting swap deals are involved.

As Liverpool gear up for another trophy-laden campaign, fans can expect more twists, turns, and tug-of-wars. And if this early activity is anything to go by, the summer transfer drama at Anfield is just getting started.