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Former Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed he tried to sign Luis Diaz during his spell with the Catalan outfit, but struggling finances scuppered any possible deal.
Barca's financial issues over the last few years have been well documented, and ultimately put paid to the club's chances of signing Diaz. The Colombian's father previously publicly stated that Barcelona was the club of his son's dreams, and there was clearly a willingness on Diaz's part to make the move.
Speaking to Marca about his admiration for Diaz, Xavi described the Colombian as “a world-class footballer, capable of making a difference, a winger with blazing speed, a goal-scorer and an assist-maker, and a hard worker,” but conceded, “the financial situation was what it was. It was very difficult for us at the time.”
Xavi's departure from the club in 2024 did nothing to quell Barca's interest in Diaz, with successor Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco also publicly praising the player earlier this year.
Barcelona ended up signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal instead, with the La Liga club's finances again impacting its chances of securing a permanent deal for Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich in an $87 million deal instead.
Diaz confirmed last month that he did hold talks with Barcelona during the summer transfer window. "I'm very happy to be at this great club (Bayern)," he said.
"There have been talks (with Barca), which is normal in the transfer market, with several teams. I'm very happy with my decision.
"I've made an objective decision about my future, and the most important thing is that I'm coming to a great club. So I'll try to do my best."
Diaz has started his Bayern career impressively, registering six goals and four assists in 10 appearances for his new club.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge believes the Reds have missed Diaz since the start of the season.
Speaking after Liverpool lost a third game in a row prior to the international break, Sturridge said: "Luis Diaz is a massive miss for me. When you look at Liverpool last year and how they used to press, I think arguably he was the one who would set the press in the front three. Szoboszlai would do it in the midfield with that power and dynamism that he has.
"For me, Luis Diaz, how tenacious he is on the ball and how hungry he is to get it back for his team. He brought something to Liverpool that they are now missing. I think Ekitike and Isak and Wirtz work hard, I'm not saying they don't. We can't question their work rate or their quality.
"But what I will say is that they're attack-minded players. I think with Diaz would sacrifice himself defensively. That's what they've got to figure out now, who in that attack is going to give themselves up a little bit. In a front three there always has to be one guy who goes, "I'm not stats hungry."'
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