Barcelona’s plans to strengthen their squad with Luis Diaz have reportedly hit a major roadblock, as Hansi Flick and the club’s hierarchy deem the 28-year-old winger an unsuitable fit for the team’s long-term strategy.
According to a report from MARCA, one of the primary reasons behind the club’s decision to step back from pursuing Diaz is his age.
At 28, the Colombian international no longer fits into the profile of younger, more dynamic players that Flick is looking to develop at Barça.
The manager is focusing on integrating younger talent into the squad, and while Diaz remains a skilled and experienced player, Flick prefers to bet on up-and-coming stars like Nico Williams or Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.
And the financial aspects
The financial aspect is another significant hurdle. With an asking price reportedly set at no less than €75 million, Barcelona consider this amount excessive, particularly for a player who is not seen as an immediate necessity in their squad.
Given that the team already boasts quality wingers, all of whom have impressed this season, the club feels there are other priorities to address.
Despite this, Diaz remains a desirable asset for many clubs, and his potential move to Barcelona could still be on the cards if circumstances change.
Although Barça have apparently ruled out his signing for the time being, the Liverpool winger’s desire to play for the Catalan giants could drive him to explore other options in the market.
Barcelona exploring other options
Additionally, while Barcelona’s focus shifts towards more suitable attacking reinforcements, names such as Nico and Rafael Leao continue to surface as alternatives.
The club’s decision-making process is still ongoing, and their pursuit of a new forward will depend on various factors, including the budget available and how well these players fit into the team’s evolving tactical strategy.
For now, Diaz may have to reconsider his options, as the Blaugrana seem to have turned their attention to younger players that align more with their future vision.
