According to a report, Atletico Madrid has surfaced as a potential suitor for Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz after denying their alleged interest in Darwin Nunez.
It was reported earlier this week that Diego Simeone, the manager of Rojiblancos, had “great admiration” for the fired Nunez and was eager to sign the Uruguayan this summer.
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin put an end to those rumors by categorically denying that his team was interested in Nunez and downplaying any discussion of a new striker joining the team.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Atletico U changed their offensive stance, though, as both Angel Correa and Antoine Griezmann are scheduled to become free agents at the end of the upcoming campaign.
Nunez may not be of interest to the Rojiblancos, but according to Fichajes, Diaz is now one of the La Liga title-chasers’ top summer transfer targets.
Diaz is considered Atletico’s “big bet” in light of Liverpool’s uncertainty.
The Colombian international has contributed directly to 17 goals from 38 appearances across all competitions this season, including 13 of his own and four assists, making him a vital member of Arne Slot’s team.
In 2024–25, Diaz has been used by the Dutchman as a central striker and on the left wing. However, following an incredible start to the season, his output has decreased.
The 28-year-old signed a five-and-a-half-year contract when he arrived from Porto in January 2022, but he has only managed one goal and one assist in his last ten Premier League games. He has also yet to sign an extension to the deal.
By the time summer arrives, Diaz will have only two years remaining on his Anfield contract, and it appears that the Premier League leaders have not advanced any negotiations for an extension.
Even though Diaz wouldn’t be Griezmann’s exact replacement at Atletico, Simeone is said to value the South American’s adaptability and “unbalanced” personality, which would make him a perfect fit for his system.
According to the report, Liverpool is willing to consider offers in the summer window that range from €60 million (£49.5 million) to €70 million (£57.8 million), as the Reds are having difficulty reaching an agreement with Diaz’s camp regarding an extension.
Griezmann’s potential departure would free up space on the wage bill, but it’s unclear if Atletico will agree to the Reds’ demands for Diaz, who is also reportedly on Barcelona’s radar.
Midway through the 2021–22 season, Liverpool paid Porto €53 million (£43.8 million) to sign Diaz. The Colombian international has made 136 appearances for the Merseyside powerhouses, tallying 37 goals and 17 assists.
Before Liverpool takes on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match on Wednesday, Diaz will take advantage of a rare weekend off due to the Reds’ unexpected FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle.