As Barcelona nears its first major signing for the upcoming season, tensions are rising within Camp Nou. This unrest is not due to rivals or external transfer dynamics, but rather to unexpected internal objections. Reports have revealed that the club is close to signing Colombian Luis Díaz from Liverpool for a fee exceeding €70 million, prompting strong opposition from within the dressing room.
According to information from El Nacional, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, two of the team’s most prominent stars have expressed their dissatisfaction with the potential move and directly communicated their disapproval to coach Hansi Flick. They reportedly oppose signing Díaz, believing there are technically superior and much more affordable alternatives. The duo pointed to Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres as the most suitable option for the team, citing his compatibility with Barcelona’s style of play, his impressive scoring ability, and his significantly lower cost compared to Díaz.
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Although Díaz is the preferred option of sporting director Deco, due to his physical strength, intensity, and experience, the high price tag, which could rise to €80 million, has sparked considerable controversy, especially in light of the club’s precarious financial situation. While the board maintains that reinforcing the winger position is a top priority, several players believe that balancing quality with cost should be the decisive factor, fueling internal doubts about the Díaz deal.
Gyökeres, by contrast, is seen as a more pragmatic choice by the players—not only for his reasonable transfer fee but also for his standout performances this season and his versatility, being capable of playing both as a central striker and on the wing. This versatility would offer Flick greater tactical flexibility.
The deal has not yet been officially finalized, but internal pressure is mounting. As the transfer window approaches its decisive phase, the sporting board must weigh Flick and Deco’s vision against the perspectives of key players who form the foundation of the club’s sporting project. Will Barcelona listen to its senior players? Or will the club push forward with a deal that could cause division within the squad before the new season even begins?
