Luis Diaz had designs on a move to Barcelona but Liverpool held firm after contact from the Spanish club, with sporting director Deco describing a deal as “impossible.”
As far back as 2023, Diaz’s father made clear his ambition to join Barcelona.
“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there,” Diaz Sr. told Win Sports, while also pledging his commitment to Liverpool.
The opportunity to move to LaLiga presented itself in the summer, with the No. 7 making clear his desire to leave and the Spanish champions making their approach.
But Liverpool rebuffed all advances from Barcelona and Diaz eventually joined Bayern Munich in a deal worth £65.6 million at the end of July.
“We lacked that profile in the squad,” Deco explained in an interview with Mundo Deportivo this week.
“Luis Diaz fit in, [eventual loan signing Marcus] Rashford fit in, and then it’s a matter of negotiation.
“On the other side, there’s a club, and they’re of a very high level; you’re talking about Liverpool and Man United.
“With Diaz, Liverpool were pretty tough from the first minute, refusing to sell him, and it’s even more complicated that way, like if they came to us and we didn’t want to put a player on the market.
“Luis’s move ended up being impossible.”
Liverpool were right to hold firm on Diaz
Liverpool’s stance over a move for Diaz paid off as they extracted remarkable value from the sale of a player who will turn 29 in January and had two years remaining on his contract.
Barcelona‘s financial restrictions meant their overall spend for the summer totalled €27 million (£23.6m), with goalkeeper Joan Garcia and young winger Roony Bardghji their only permanent signings.
Deco explained that negotiations for Rashford “became a little easier because United were more open to a loan,” which would never have been the case with Liverpool.
Rashford has two goals and four assists in eight games so far for Barcelona, who can make his switch permanent for a fee of €35 million next summer.
Meanwhile Diaz has made a big impact since joining Bayern, with four goals and three assists in eight appearances.