Luis Diaz Agreed To Join Rival Club Just Before Joining Liverpool

Barcelona had deals agreed for forwards from Liverpool and Juventus, but both fell through due to the club’s financial struggles.

According to Gerrard Romero, the Catalan giants were close to signing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

Vlahovic had agreed personal terms with Barca after extensive talks between them and his former club Fiorentina.

Meanwhile Diaz's representatives had held conversations with Barcelona, and he was prepared to become the new face of the club’s frontline.

However, due to Financial Fair Play rules, Barcelona were prevented from signing the players, both of whom were commanding huge transfer fees due to their success at their former clubs. 

Diaz then went on to sign for Liverpool and Vlahovic joined Juventus.

During the January transfer window, Vlahovic was touted as one of the most sought after prospects on the market.

He had scored 20 goals in 24 appearances for Fiorentina already in the campaign. 

This excellent form resulted in the Florence based side attaining a fee that could rise to €80 million with add-ons, making him the most expensive signing of all time in the Serie A winter transfer window. 

The Serbian striker has endured a slightly difficult start to life in Turn, scoring nine times in 21 appearances thus far for the Old Lady.

The same cannot be said for Luis Diaz, who exploded onto the scene in Merseyside following his £37.5 million switch from Porto to Anfield six months ago. 

The 25-year-old scored six goals and registered five assists for Jurgen Klopp’s outfit in the run-in.

His offensive flair convinced the Liverpool board that they could afford to let Sadio Mane leave the club this summer as they had a ready made replacement in Diaz.

It’s understood that Aubameyang and Torres were the players brought in because Barcelona were unable to sign Vlahovic and Diaz.

While both have shown signs of promise, the Spanish side will be deflated they missed out on the latter in particular.

Despite reportedly being in substantial debt and owing several players and staff members deferred wages, Barcelona have emerged as a proactive force in this transfer window.

They've already lurred the likes of Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski to the Camp Nou.