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The coming summer transfer window was always going to bring massive reforms to Barcelona’s squad. The impending managerial change almost confirms big moves come July.
Hansi Flick, who is set to take over from Xavi, sees eye to eye with the board over the priority positions being the defensive midfield and the wing.
Joshua Kimmich is the favourite for the former position, but the club have multiple options for the wing but one name appears to have taken over as a favourite.
Deco’s dream
As revealed in a recent report from AS, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco prefers Luis Diaz as a new signing to provide depth on the wing.
The Colombian winger has scored eight goals and provided five assists for Liverpool in this season’s Premier League, but the managerial change at Anfield could open the door to the transfer market for the 27-year-old.
Joan Laporta and Co. tried to sign Diaz back in 2022 when he eventually made the move from Porto to Liverpool, but the door to Catalonia appears to have reopened for the dynamic winger.
The board see him as someone who can inject a winning mentality into the dressing room, and Deco has even met with the player’s agent.
The sporting director is said to place Diaz over the likes of Dani Olmo and Nico Williams on his pecking order.
The sacrifice involved
With his market value set at €75 million and a contract that runs until 2027, Diaz’s transfer will not be easy for Barcelona to negotiate. A big departure is, thus, a necessity and Raphinha is seen as a pawn to be traded.
The Brazilian winger has performed well for the Catalans this season, but his €50 million price tag is seen as a gamble the board are willing to take to bring Diaz in. A return to the 1:1 rule, after all, is a must before such a big operation.
The coming weeks will thus be critical in deciding which target the club eventually pursue to strengthen the wing. Diaz is Deco’s dream signing, but will he have Flick’s backing?