Luis Diaz Reveals Secret Barcelona Talks That Nearly Derailed His Liverpool Journey

Bayern Munich's new signing Luis Díaz has revealed he engaged in discussions with Barcelona prior to his eventual move to the Bavarian club this summer.

Acquiring a new winger was a top priority for Barcelona, with sporting director Deco reportedly preferring Díaz as speculation grew regarding his dissatisfaction at Liverpool.

Bayern entered the race in July with an official bid that Liverpool quickly turned down while seeking a higher fee, a position that promptly led Barcelona to abandon their chase of the Colombian star.

The financially constrained Spanish champions then shifted focus to securing a loan deal for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, as Díaz completed his €75 million (£65.1 million, $88.8 million) transfer to Bayern—a figure Barcelona simply couldn't afford.

"Conversations took place [with Barcelona] along with multiple clubs," Díaz shared with Movistar+ following Bayern's 3–1 Champions League triumph over Chelsea on Wednesday.

"I feel very satisfied with my choice [to join Bayern]. I made a strategic decision regarding my career, and what matters is that I'm becoming part of an exceptional club. Therefore, I'll simply focus on giving everything I have."

Barcelona retains the opportunity to make Rashford's move permanent next summer for €35 million—considerably less expensive than Díaz—though the United loanee must prove his value to coach Hansi Flick.

Regular playing time has been limited for Rashford thus far, but Flick has urged the English forward to capitalize on Lamine Yamal's injury layoff and establish himself in Barcelona.