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Joan Laporta explains why Luis Diaz did not join Barcelona

Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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Joan Laporta has told AS that Barcelona even got in touch with Luis Diaz’s agent in a bid to sign him, but Liverpool were further ahead of them in the race to get the deal over the line.

Diaz’s frightening impact at Anfield

Since setting foot on English soil in January, the Colombian winger has been a breath of fresh air for the Reds.

Simply put, the former Porto forward brought to the left flank every facet Sadio Mane struggled to during the first half of last season.

Diaz’s quick feet, bags of pace and directness made him an instant hit amongst the Kop, with many lauding Liverpool for snapping up such a bright talent for £37 million (Sky Sports).

Liverpool FC vs Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League final
Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Despite the fact that Jurgen Klopp’s men have had a tough time of things this term, the ex-Porto talisman’s form was not affected in the slightest.

In fact, the 25-year old was perhaps the club’s best player before succumbing to a long-term injury, bailing his side out time and again with a clutch goal or assist during trying times.

The Anfield faithful will be counting their lucky stars that Diaz’s potential switch to Barcelona did not come to fruition.

Laporta indicates that a transfer was a distinct possibility

Joan Laporta has come out and explained why Luis Diaz did not end up signing for the Catalan giants in an interview with AS.

“We were very interested in him. We even got to talk with his agent, but they [Liverpool] already had advanced. We were also in an economic restructuring.”

As is the case with a majority of South American players, it is no surprise that the now-Reds fan favourite considered a switch to the Spanish juggernaut.

All’s well that ends well, as Luis Diaz and Liverpool has been a happy marriage so far.