Nico Williams rejecting Barcelona means Deco to chase Liverpool's Luis Diaz again, says Fabrizio Romano; Marcus Rashford to...

Barcelona are planning to launch a fresh bid for Liverpool's Luis Diaz after Nico Williams renewed his contract with Athletic Bilbao, noted football journalist Fabrizio Romano said on Friday. However, it is going to be a Herculean task to sign the Colombian winger, as Liverpool are hell-bent on not letting him leave this summer, he added.

 

“Barcelona are planning new approach for Luis Diaz in the next days/weeks after Nico deal off. Liverpool already closed doors to both Barça and FC Bayern in the recent weeks; not an easy one.,” Fabrizio Romano said on X.

 

Barcelona were confident that Nico Williams would make a switch to Catalonia from the Basque Country, but the Spanish international signed a new eight-year contract extension which will keep him at Bilbao until 2035. Athletic added that Williams’ transfer release clause had been increased by more than 50%, with reports in Spanish media saying the earlier clause was worth around 62 million euros ($73.01 million). The 22-year-old Spain international, whose previous contract ran until 2027, is one of Athletic's most prized assets and has made 167 appearances for them in all competitions.

 

Thus, Hansi Flick-managed La Liga champions decided to pursue Luis Diaz once again. The club seems to be interested in Diaz despite Manchester United's Marcus Rashford repeatedly acknowledging his interest in joining their ranks this summer. Apart from Barcelona, PSG and several Saudi clubs have recently shown interest in signing him.

 

Earlier it was reported that Barcelona have prepared a loan move for Marcus Rashford if Nico Williams deal fails. Barcelona's sporting director Deco has confirmed that they are tracking Marcus Rashford as well and may opt for the cheaper of the two options. Diaz’s current market value is estimated at €85 million, according to Transfermarkt.

 

The 28-year-old Diaz arrived at Anfield from FC Porto in 2022. He has 41 goals and 16 assists to his credit from 148 outings for the Premier League champions.

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