Liverpool could face $94m transfer dilemma amid Barcelona ‘interest’ and Sadio Mané comparison

Liverpool might have a big decision to make on Luis Díaz this summer. The Colombian has had a solid enough season — and in testing circumstances — but the speculation that he could move on has never gone away completely.

A report from The Telegraph last month sparked speculation that he could be sold, with PSG known to be an admirer. Barcelona is also interested in Díaz, the report said, but its financial issues mean a move is unlikely, with the player said to be valued at around $94m (£75m/€88m).

Now, it appears that behind the scenes, some at Liverpool have already contemplated that the winger may move on. According to the Liverpool ECHO, the prospect of losing Díaz has been ‘openly discussed’ at the AXA Training Centre and there are ‘whispers’ that a decision could be presented.

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That probably stems, at least in part, from how often the forward’s father has spoken about an exit. On plenty of occasions now, he has mentioned the possibility of a transfer to Spain. Whether Real Madrid would be keen in the same summer as signing Kylian Mbappé can be questioned, though, and while Barcelona might want him, it almost certainly can’t afford him.

Given that Díaz is 27 and has two years left on his contract, though, there is a question to some degree. If you’re cashing in, you do it now, realistically, to get the most out of his value, and there are several stars above him in the pecking order when it comes to needing new deals first.

The question for Liverpool is simple: has it already seen his peak or can Díaz go up another notch? A serious injury and then what happened with his father’s kidnapping are clear mitigations — but there are those who (legitimately) argue that his productivity isn’t at the required level.