Barcelona transfer news: 'Approach planned' for 28-year-old attacker after Nico Williams contract extension

Barcelona are reportedly plotting to make another move for Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz following Nico Williams's astonishing contract extension with Athletic Bilbao.

Barely a few days after he was seemingly destined to sign for Barcelona, Athletic announced that Williams had committed to an unprecedented 10-year renewal until the end of the 2034-25 season on Friday.

Williams was originally said to have had his heart set on joining Barcelona, snubbing interest from Bayern Munich and Arsenal in the process, but complications arose during the latter stage of negotiations.

The attacker had supposedly given the green light to a six-year deal at Camp Nou, but he wanted reassurances from the club that they would be able to register him before the start of the season.

Barcelona's guarantees were not enough for the Williams camp, and the Spain international has now signed a blockbuster new deal with a release clause worth over £100m.

Barcelona 'expected' to make Diaz approach after Williams renewal

While La Blaugrana are still blessed with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal out wide, the reigning La Liga champions are expected to pursue an alternative option to Williams before the summer window closes for business.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are now anticipated to make a second approach for Liverpool's Diaz, whom they already made direct contact for over a month ago but were rebuffed by the Premier League holders.

Liverpool are also thought to have rejected an approach from Bayern Munich for the Colombia international, but there has been no progress on the Diaz contract front for a matter of months now.

The 28-year-old has now entered the last two years of his contract at Anfield, potentially leaving the Reds hierarchy with a crucial decision to make this summer, and Barcelona are not ready to give up on a deal for Diaz just yet.

Why Liverpool must do all in their power to keep Diaz

Transfer stories are - quite rightly - the last thing on the minds of anyone associated with Liverpool right now, as the entire football club and its fans mourn the late Diogo Jota following his devastating death in a car accident.

Liverpool players, staff and supporters will be grieving the cruel and unexpected loss of the Portugal international for some time, but the harsh reality is that Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes still have their normal jobs to do this summer.

Once the shock of Jota's death has passed, and once the forward has been given the send-off he deserves, the Reds will have to prepare for the defence of their Premier League title, which will include making more decisions on transfer incomings and outgoings.

Diaz's contract situation may be a sticking point, but the Colombia international represents a versatile, hard-working option up front, one who scored their third-most goals last season behind Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

Selling a key attacker in the wake of recent events will likely be incomprehensible for the Liverpool hierarchy, so expect Barcelona to be knocked back again.

Written by
Ben Knapton