Despite headlines claiming Luis Diaz was ‘dreaming’ of a move to Barcelona, the Liverpool winger’s father did not hint he was interested in moving to the Nou Camp.
Given the club’s outpouring of support for the family in recent weeks, Diaz Sr.’s suggestion that his son leave Anfield may appear premature.
Luis Manuel Diaz, his wife Cilenis Marulanda, and their entire family arrived in Liverpool on Saturday aboard a private jet hired by the club as they prepare to spend Christmas in Merseyside.
However, the weekend also saw reports about Diaz’s “dream” to play for Barcelona, following an interview with Win Sports in Colombia.
‘Luis Diaz father makes Barcelona transfer claim as he admits Liverpool forward’s ‘dream’– Liverpool Echo
‘Luis Diaz‘s dad reveals his son’s “dream” club as Liverpool sent transfer warning’– Mirror
”It would be his dream’ – Luis Diaz‘s father talks up Barcelona transfer’– GOAL
”It’s his dream’ – Liverpool star tipped to ditch Anfield for Barcelona in stunning admission’– TEAMtalk
There was no ‘transfer claim’ or ‘transfer warning’, though, and Diaz certainly wasn’t ‘tipped to ditch Anfield’.
Diaz Sr. did concede that, as a boyhood Barcelona supporter like many in South America, it would be the 26-year-old’s “dream” to play for the club.
But there was no suggestion that he was pushing for a move, simply an honest answer to a direct question.
“The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” he explained, via Sport Witness.
“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.
“So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.
“Luis is a player who finds it easy to win [fans] over because of the way he is, because of his humility, his work, his dedication. He is a very disciplined player, thank God.
“There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”
While it is not ideal that Diaz’s father is considering other clubs in public, it is unlikely that he will leave Liverpool anytime soon.
It is rare for a South American player not to want to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid; it is simply the fact.
Liverpool has already dealt with this, as both Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho were forced to transfer to Barcelona, but they have also witnessed increased devotion, with Roberto Firmino serving as a prime example.
If Diaz wants to come to the Nou Camp in the future, Jurgen Klopp will not stand in his way – but don’t get carried away by the hype just yet.