Barcelona can now start planning for next season after Xavi Hernandez was confirmed as staying on as coach for 2024/25.
The decision seems to be the most sensible one for the club as it allows continuity at a time when the club need it the most.
Given that the Catalan giants weren’t able to secure any silverware at all during the current campaign, there clearly needs to be a change of playing personnel in certain positions.
One area where they’ve struggled is on the left-wing. When fit, they have an overlapping full-back in Alejandro Balde, but Barca clearly need someone that mirrors Lamine Yamal on the opposite side.
Barcelona looking at Liverpool’s Luis Diaz
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club do have a few names in mind, including Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, who it’s said the Reds are apparently losing patience with.
It’s not clear at this stage if the Colombian has a future with the Anfield-based outfit, but as Arne Slot is soon to be confirmed as the man to take over from Jurgen Klopp, Diaz could yet be given a stay of execution.
It would make sense for Slot to wipe the slate clean with all of his new players, and give them chances to impress during the early stages of pre-season. Those who don’t make the correct impression could then be shipped out.
Were Diaz not to be the man for Xavi, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli or Athletic Club’s Nico Williams would appear to be other priority targets.
What is abundantly clear is that Ansu Fati, who would be perfect for the role, has no future at the club. That much has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
“Barcelona could be open to letting Ansu Fati leave again this summer, and this is the expectation from the club side,” he said to CaughtOffside in his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“We will see if it will be another loan, a permanent move, if Brighton will return again for Ansu or not… but at the moment it’s still early to be absolutely sure.
“Fati’s future remains open.”
