Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz was deemed “too expensive” by Barcelona, who have pulled out of the race for his signature in the summer transfer window.Â
The Catalan outfit will instead sign Marcus Rashford after reaching a “verbal agreement in principle” with the player and Manchester United.
That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the details of a loan deal with an option to buy were “being finalised” on Saturday.
Once that happens, United will grant Rashford permission to fly to Spain to complete the deal. Barça are “planning” to have his medical in the next few days.
Liverpool star ‘too expensive’ as Barcelona ‘agree’ Rashford transfer
Barcelona had originally targeted a move Athletic Club de Bilbao winger Nico Williams to improve their depth on the left flank. But the Euro 2024 winner signed an eight-year contract extension this summer, ruling out any possibility of a deal.
They then moved on to Luis Diaz, but were told by Liverpool that the Colombia international is not for sale when they made their initial approach.
Romano claims that Barcelona saw any potential deal for Diaz as “too expensive”, with the Reds reportedly valuing the 28-year-old at upwards of £86.8m (€100m). The 2024/25 La Liga winners would also be unable to register him in their squad as things currently stand.
Bayern Munich are still in for Diaz, who has reportedly told Liverpool that he wishes to join the Bundesliga champions. The Bavarian outfit have already seen an offer of £58.4m (€67.5m) rejected, although they are confident they can get a deal done for £69.2m (€80m).
🚨 Luis Diaz mantains his plan to leave Liverpool with FC Bayern set to bid again very soon.
Bayern want to improve their proposal after €67m rejected as they keep negotiating also for Woltemade.
Barcelona remain in contact with Lucho’s agents while Bayern can spend more. pic.twitter.com/1UsWB9RlEE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2025
Read –Â Darwin Nunez interest heats up following Napoli transfer decision
Read More – The biggest transfers so far in each of Europe’s top five leagues
See Also – The highest spending clubs in Europe so far this summer
