FC Barcelona plans to improve their attack this summer may have a potential hurdle to overcome, with a wealthy Saudi Arabian club now in the race for their priority target.
The Catalans have been eager to sign a notable left-winger to decrease their reliance on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, but the deal was far from straightforward, particularly due to their financial constraints, and competition had now arrived.
Following journalist Ben Jacobs, Al-Nassr have emerged on the race to sign Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, who is a player Barcelona have chased for a number of years.
Díaz has been an important figure at Anfield since he arrived in January 2022, and his quick pace and dribbling would suit Flick’s system very well indeed.
But it is unlikely Liverpool will sell him on the cheap as he is contracted until 2027.
It is plausible that Liverpool wants at least €85 million, a fee Al-Nassr can easily pay, unlike a cash-strapped Barça.
Al-Nassr’s interest comes during uncertainty on Ronaldo’s future, as the club looked to make a high-profile signing.
There are reports that give the impression the club has requested financial support to make an official bid, which could impact Barcelona.
Although players like Deco and Flick see Díaz as their first request, the financial clout of the Saudi Pro League may prevail.
At the moment, Barcelona are very much in the race, but their ability to match that investment will require player sales and creative financial juggling.
If they do not improve on their potential line-up, they will need to settle for more affordable options and watch their dream signing go elsewhere.
The coming weeks will therefore be important for the likelihood of Díaz residing at Camp Nou or in Saudi Arabia.
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