Arne Slot insists Luis Diaz’s future is with Liverpool despite links with a move to Barcelona.
The Colombian midfielder has shown no interest in leaving Anfield ahead of the new season which kicks off for the Reds against Ipswich on Saturday. But the rumour mill continues to fly that La Liga giants Barcelona are keen on him.
Liverpool have had no contact from other clubs about Diaz. While links to interest from Manchester City were quashed swiftly earlier this week.
New boss Slot said: "When I walked in here the screen had Sky Sports on and the whole day is talking about football, so there is a lot of speculation constantly in this country. That is clear for me. It's not a surprise if you tell me if there's some about Luis Diaz.
"His future is with us because I like a lot what I've seen in the last 10 days he's been in and I saw the same last season. He's had a big impact on Liverpool seasons and I am hoping he has a big impact on the upcoming season as well.”
Arne Slot reveals new Liverpool plan after Martin Zubimendi transfer twist
Diaz joined Liverpool in January 2022 and is under contract until 2027.
Meanwhile, Slot has confirmed Liverpool were turned down by Martin Zubimendi but he’s got no fears his squad is not strong enough for his first season in charge.
The Real Sociedad midfielder pulled a dramatic U-turn to turn down the Reds and stay in Spain despite giving indications that he was ready to leave the La Liga side and move to Merseyside.
That has not caused panic among Slot and his team or sporting director Richard Hughes who are adamant they will only bring in players that will definitely improve their squad.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has offered an update on the club's transfer plans ahead of the new season:
"I've said many times already our squad is really strong and it's not easy to find players who can help us or strengthen the squad,” said Slot, ahead of his first competitive game in charge against Ipswich on Saturday.
“Zubimendi was one of them to be fair but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. We are in a good place.
"In the background Richard is trying to strengthen the squad as he can, unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come. He did every effort and tried everything to bring him in but if a player doesn't want to come, it's obvious he's not coming.
"At this moment the whole team has stayed together. We lost Joel Matip, Thiago and Adrian, but the rest of the team stayed together and that's a very positive thing. We are always talking here about transfer but it's positive that we have kept our players.
"We are in a good place at the moment- Jurgen [Klopp] left the team in a good place and we are trying to build from there.
“Last season they won a trophy with this team - we are aiming for the same this season. It's not going to be easy as a lot of strong team in the Premier League who have strengthened their squad but we are looking forward to the challenge."
