Sources: Liverpool set fresh Luis Diaz price tag as ‘talks’ begin over potential exit

In what could become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer, Liverpool have reportedly placed a fresh price tag on Colombian winger Luis Diaz, as discussions begin to swirl regarding his potential exit from Anfield. The 28-year-old has emerged as a top target for European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but the Reds are not prepared to let him go without a significant financial return.

According to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke confirmed that Liverpool have set Diaz’s asking price at approximately £69 million. This figure has placed interested clubs on high alert, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich currently unwilling to meet the Premier League side’s valuation.

While new Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to value Diaz and wants him to remain at the club next season, insiders have revealed that a serious bid could force Liverpool’s hand. Slot views Diaz as a key component in his transition project at Anfield, but the club’s hierarchy may find it hard to resist a lucrative offer — especially with Diaz yet to commit to a contract extension.

Reports earlier this month stated that Diaz is already “in negotiations” over a possible move away from Liverpool. With only limited progress made in talks about extending his stay at Anfield, the door remains slightly ajar for a high-profile departure.

Bayern Munich have reportedly tabled a €60 million bid — roughly £51 million — for Diaz, but Liverpool dismissed it almost immediately, reaffirming their stance. The Merseyside club are believed to be holding out for a fee closer to €80 million (about £69 million), a price that neither Bayern nor Barcelona seem ready to meet at this stage.

Barcelona, under new head coach Hansi Flick, have long admired Diaz’s flair and attacking versatility. The club sees him as an ideal reinforcement to help bolster their attacking options, especially following their failure to secure the signing of Nico Williams. However, Barca’s ongoing financial troubles have cast doubt on whether they can genuinely compete with Bayern or potential Premier League bidders for Diaz’s signature.

Meanwhile, clubs from the Saudi Pro League — particularly Al Nassr — continue to express interest in Diaz. These Middle Eastern suitors were first linked with him back in April and remain prepared to submit an offer should European interest stall. Yet, sources suggest Diaz is still intent on competing at the highest levels in Europe, at least for the immediate future.

The standoff between Liverpool’s valuation and what rival clubs are willing to pay has created a tense impasse. Despite strong interest from some of Europe’s elite, no side has yet matched the Premier League club’s financial demands.

O’Rourke emphasized that while personal terms are not expected to be a major issue for either Bayern or Barcelona, the major stumbling block remains the transfer fee. “Diaz is entertaining interest from elsewhere and hasn’t yet committed his future to Liverpool,” O’Rourke said. “This could easily turn into a major saga.”

In the 2024–25 season, Diaz played a pivotal role for Liverpool, continuing to impress with his work ethic and attacking prowess. However, with Arne Slot experimenting with tactical tweaks and a younger crop of players pushing through, the dynamics around Diaz’s role have shifted slightly.

Adding more fuel to the fire, former Manchester United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown previously stated that Liverpool are fully aware of the potential bids on the horizon and are bracing for a battle to retain Diaz. With both Barcelona and Bayern stepping up their pursuits after missing out on other targets, Liverpool’s resolve will be tested in the coming weeks.

Another twist in Liverpool’s summer could involve Harvey Elliott, who is also attracting attention from Bundesliga clubs. After a strong showing at the Under-21 European Championship, the young midfielder is said to be exploring options to secure more regular minutes — possibly through a move to Germany.

Former England international Paul Robinson recently remarked that Elliott’s lack of consistent starts under Slot could push him to seek a fresh opportunity abroad. With only two starts in pre-season under the new boss, Elliott’s future remains as uncertain as Diaz’s — adding yet another layer of intrigue to Liverpool’s summer plans.

Liverpool’s reluctance to sell Diaz could be rooted in their fear of losing too much attacking depth in one window. With Mohamed Salah also linked to Saudi Arabia and Darwin Núñez still finding consistency, Diaz remains one of the more dependable attacking outlets in the squad.

But ultimately, money talks — and if a club is willing to meet the £69 million valuation, Liverpool may decide to cash in on the Colombian, particularly if it helps them reinvest in younger talent or plug gaps in other areas of the squad.

The coming weeks will be crucial. As Liverpool continue pre-season preparations, the futures of both Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott are likely to remain hot topics. Whether either stays or goes could reshape Arne Slot’s debut campaign and significantly impact the club’s ambitions heading into the new Premier League season.