The Colombian reportedly turned down a new contract offer this season, dissatisfied with the terms presented by Liverpool. This remains a point of frustration for Diaz, as he is still on the same deal he signed three years ago.

This situation is unusual for Liverpool, as the club typically offers players contracts with lower base salaries, supplemented by performance-based bonuses. These contracts can quickly increase if a player performs well enough.

Whether Diaz has met that performance threshold is up for debate. However, what is clear is that he is underpaid compared to other players of his caliber.

Diaz is reportedly earning around £40k per week, whereas Cody Gakpo, for example, is making £100k more than him. This disparity may explain why Diaz is considering leaving the club.

Luis Diaz to Barcelona

Barcelona is reportedly looking to sign a new forward, with reports from Spain indicating that Marcus Rashford was on their radar. They had even considered a potential loan move during the current transfer window.

However, it was clarified that Rashford was not Barcelona’s first choice; rather, he was the only available option on their shortlist during mid-season. Above him on that list was Diaz.

Diaz, however, was never a viable option for a move in the middle of the season. Any potential transfer would have to take place in the summer, making Barcelona’s decision to pull out of a move for Rashford intriguing.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Rashford is now expected to join Aston Villa on loan. Barcelona reportedly informed Manchester United that they would not pursue a loan deal but would look into a permanent transfer in the summer.

Barcelona is therefore focused on signing a new forward. If they were considering Rashford, it seems they are now turning their attention more toward Diaz.

By choosing not to pursue Rashford, Barcelona has opened the door for Diaz. In fact, it increases the likelihood of a transfer, as the club is not spending money this month and is not locking itself into any buying commitments. If these reports are accurate, this could signal Barcelona’s intent to chase Diaz in the summer. After all, any potential move for Rashford would likely come after a deal for Liverpool’s forward.