Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz has made his feelings clear on his future at Anfield following reports that the Reds will soon open contract talks with the Colombian.
The ex-Porto man is still on the same terms he penned upon his arrival from Porto midway through the 2021-22 season, and he will be available on a free transfer in just over two years' time.
Diaz's situation has not been a priority up until now, though, as sporting director Richard Hughes understandably focused on getting renewals for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah over the line.
Now that Van Dijk and Salah have been tied down for another two seasons, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is confirmed to be leaving on a free, Liverpool can switch their attention to players whose deals run out in 2026 and 2027.
Diaz fits into the latter category, and the 28-year-old's future has been the topic of uncertainty for several months now amid apparent interest from Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.
Diaz hints he would be willing to retire at Liverpool
© Imago
However, following claims that Liverpool are set to sit down and open talks with his representatives, Diaz has confirmed that he wants to continue at Anfield and suggested that he would spend the rest of his career at the club.
"Yes, happy. From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team," the 28-year-old told Telemundo, via the Liverpool Echo. "We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (about the renewal).
"For me, I would stay however many years it takes, it also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League."
Diaz has been an integral part of Arne Slot's system in the 2024-25 season, often operating through the middle of the attack owing to Diogo Jota's injuries and Darwin Nunez's lack of form.
The 28-year-old netted his 17th goal of the season in all competitions in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and he also has eight assists to show from 48 appearances in the current campaign.
Why Liverpool keeping Diaz is a no-brainer
© Imago
Diaz may not be putting up Salah-type numbers in the Liverpool attack, but 25 direct goal contributions from 48 appearances - at least one every two games - is nothing to be scoffed at.
The Colombian's versatility has also come in extremely handy during Slot's first season too, and when playing through the middle, he is adept at dropping deep and creating space for the likes of Salah to run into.
Liverpool's attack could also undergo significant upheaval this summer, as Jota and Nunez are both being linked with exits, as are the out-of-favour Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott.
A new centre-forward should arrive to help ease the burden on the likes of Salah, Cody Gakpo and Diaz, but unless an astronomical offer comes in, Liverpool tying the latter down to a new contract is a no-brainer.
Diaz has contributed a total of 41 goals and 23 assists in 146 matches for Liverpool and is ending the campaign particularly strongly, either scoring or setting up a teammate in seven of his last eight Premier League appearances.
Ben Knapton
