The FC Barcelona, facing the difficulty in incorporating Nico Williams, seems to have opted to evaluate their various top winger options in the market, such as Kingsley Coman or Luis Díaz. Precisely, it is the latter that seems to appeal more to Deco, the club's sporting director, so it's not surprising that the Blaugrana are beginning to seek the necessary means to finalize the Colombian's incorporation.
Now, as suggested in 'El Nacional.cat', the 'Reds' would be asking for around 60 million euros, a figure that Barcelona could be in a position to pay. It's worth remembering that the Catalan club was willing to pay around 62 million euros (58 of the release clause plus four due to the Consumer Price Index) to secure the services of the Pamplona-born left winger.
However, according to the mentioned source, it seems that Barcelona has a plan that, if carried out effectively, would significantly reduce the price of the 'Lucho' operation. In this sense, the Portuguese executive aims to include a renowned player in the Blaugrana squad to decrease the transaction costs, and that player would be none other than Frenkie de Jong.
The argument that leads Deco to see a De Jong - Luis Díaz swap as possible
Apparently, Deco would look to incorporate the Dutch midfielder considering Anfield's interest in strengthening their midfield with a top player. An objective that has been eluding them, especially with Martín Zubimendi, whose departure from Real Sociedad this summer seems increasingly complicated, as the San Sebastian player doesn't seem to have intentions of leaving the club.
From this perspective, the Portuguese believes that the Arkel native could be appealing to Arne Slot's team and their renewed sporting project, and even thinks that the 'Reds' could accept a direct swap between both players, valuing Frenkie at the alleged 60 million euros being asked for 'Lucho'. This would be a masterstroke for the Catalan side, as with a single move, they wouldn't have to make a significant economic outlay to acquire a left winger, they would strengthen that position with a stellar name, and they would rid themselves of the highest salary on the team's payroll.
The dilemma would lie in determining if De Jong would be willing to join Liverpool or if he would prefer to move to another 'big' in the Premier League, possibly Manchester United, which has shown considerable interest in signing him for some time. There, he would reunite with some old acquaintances from his time at Ajax, Erik ten Hag, and if these signings materialize, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, as well as one who is already in the Red Devils' squad like André Onana.