Surprising twist: Luis Díaz in the sights of Atlético de Madrid, what will happen with Barça?

Luis Díaz's future could take an unexpected turn in the upcoming summer market. The Colombian international, a key player for Liverpool who is on track to win the Premier League comfortably, is strongly aiming to continue his career in LaLiga, but not with the FC Barcelona jersey.

Beyond the interest of the azulgrana team in the 28-year-old winger, the economic aspirations of the 'reds' and the interest from another 'heavyweight' in Spain could definitively steer the Barracas native away from Can Barça. Recent reports indicate Atlético de Madrid's interest in the '7' of Liverpool, who this season has scored 13 goals and provided 4 assists in 38 matches (2,454 minutes) with Arne Slot's team.

Initially, at Anfield Road they have no intentions of letting him go for less than 75-80 million euros, as the forward is under contract until 2027. However, Díaz is willing to listen to offers, as he feels undervalued by the 'reds' salary scale. The Colombian barely earns 3.5 'kilos' net per year, far from players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Atlético sees Luis Díaz as the ideal replacement for Antoine Griezmann

In this sense, for Diego Simeone, 'Lucho' would be the ideal replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who will turn 34 this month and has yet to define his future. The Frenchman is under contract until 2026, but if he decides against renewing, he will be put on the market in July. The Macon native has already turned down the French national team and could move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States to play for a couple of seasons before hanging up his boots for good.

Atlético spent 75 million on Julián Álvarez in 2024 and can afford another similar purchase this year. In addition to the Liverpool forward, the 'colchoneros' will be looking for a defensive pivot and possibly another defender in the next market. For the midfield, the option that most attracts 'Cholo' is Thomas Partey, one of the defensive pivots on Barça's radar due to his experience in LaLiga and the possibility of signing as a free agent after his imminent departure from Arsenal.