According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has begun laying the groundwork for a possible move to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

The club is actively working on financial plans and calculations to determine how they can afford the transfer.

However, securing Diaz won’t be easy, as Barcelona must first generate significant funds before making an official approach.

Challenges Ahead
The estimated cost of signing the Colombian star is between €70-75 million, meaning Barcelona need to free up at least €30 million in their wage structure to make the deal viable.

To raise the necessary funds, the club is exploring various options, including player sales and percentage deals involving players not currently in the first-team setup.

Barcelona’s midfield is one area where they could consider a major sale if the right offer comes in. While the squad has plenty of midfield options, only Pedri is considered untouchable.

In defense, the club is being cautious about making changes, but the futures of Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo remain uncertain. Araujo, in particular, would only be allowed to leave if he personally requests a transfer.

Diaz’s Interest in Barcelona
On Diaz’s side, the player is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona. After spending four seasons in England, he is excited about the possibility of playing for the Blaugrana.

Deco has already held informal talks with Diaz’s representatives to express Barcelona’s interest.

However, due to financial restrictions under La Liga’s fair play rules, the club cannot make any formal moves at this stage.

One potential advantage for Barcelona is Diaz’s contract situation. His current deal with Liverpool runs until 2027, but by 2026, the English club’s leverage in negotiations would diminish. If Liverpool don’t sell him next summer, they risk losing out on a significant transfer fee the following year.

That said, if Barcelona fail to show serious interest, Diaz might consider extending his stay at Anfield instead.

While Barcelona are keen on bringing Diaz to Camp Nou, financial hurdles and strategic planning will play a crucial role in determining whether the transfer materializes.

Manchester City missed a golden opportunity to climb back into the Premier League’s top four after being held to a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the game took an unexpected turn when Bernardo Silva, who had only been on the pitch for 18 minutes, was substituted for Phil Foden a decision that left fans and pundits scratching their heads.

Guardiola’s Cryptic Response on Silva’s Early Exit

Silva, who came on shortly before the hour mark, showed no visible signs of injury when he was withdrawn.

When asked about the sudden change, Pep Guardiola offered little clarity in his post-match interview.

“I don’t know, I didn’t speak to the doctors,” Guardiola told Match of the Day when questioned about a potential injury. “Bernardo is so strong.”

With no conclusive explanation, speculation continues regarding whether the substitution was tactical, fitness-related, or due to a minor issue unnoticed by spectators.

City Let Crucial Points Slip

Going into the match, Manchester City knew a victory would push them back into the top four. They started well, with Erling Haaland converting a penalty to give them the lead.

However, Brighton hit back through Pervis Estupiñán, leveling the score. Omar Marmoush then restored City’s advantage, only for an unfortunate Abdukodir Khusanov own goal to secure a draw for the visitors.

Despite the result, Guardiola remained positive about his team’s performance:

“It was a good game. A tight game—I know how difficult this process is. The players gave everything. We take the point and keep going.”

He also praised his squad’s effort, particularly the younger players and defenders, but admitted City fell just short of securing the win.

Brighton’s Boss Disappointed Despite Strong Performance

Brighton, aiming to complete a league double over City after their 2-1 win at the Amex in November, were left frustrated by the draw. Manager Fabian Hürzeler believed his side deserved more:

“We gave away goals in a very cheap way, and we have to improve. The fact that we came back twice and had big opportunities to win is a positive sign. We showed our identity—that’s how we want to play.”

Despite acknowledging the team’s strong display, Hürzeler was dissatisfied with the final result:

“It is very clear to me that we should have left this pitch as winners. Sometimes football is like this.”

Chelsea Benefit as City Drop Points

The draw at the Etihad Stadium ensures that Chelsea will finish the weekend in fourth place. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest remains in third after their 4-2 win over Ipswich, meaning Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday won’t affect their position just yet.

As City continues to navigate a competitive season, questions remain about Guardiola’s Bernardo Silva decision, but for now, their focus will be on bouncing back in their next fixture.

After six unforgettable years at Newcastle United, Miguel Almirón bid an emotional farewell in January, returning to Atlanta United.

The Paraguayan midfielder left a lasting legacy, scoring 30 goals in 223 appearances, and playing a key role in Newcastle’s return to the Champions League after two decades.

His departure was bittersweet, with teary-eyed goodbyes at Newcastle’s training ground. Now, with Jacob Murphy left as the team’s primary right-wing option, Almirón’s absence is being felt.

However, before leaving, he helped Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup final, playing a crucial role in their semi-final victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.

Eddie Howe vs. Steve Bruce: A Game-Changing Approach

Almirón has credited Eddie Howe with transforming both his game and Newcastle’s fortunes.

Under previous manager Steve Bruce, Newcastle’s lackluster playing style meant Almirón struggled to make an impact.

Despite early promise under Rafa Benítez, who signed him for £21 million, Almirón found it difficult to shine under Bruce’s leadership.

That all changed when Howe arrived in 2021. The former Bournemouth boss didn’t just elevate Newcastle from a relegation battle he revamped the squad’s mentality and helped them surge up the Premier League table, securing a Champions League spot in his first full season.

Reflecting on his time under both managers, Almirón told The Athletic:

“My first year in England was tough. I think I only scored one goal. It changed me as a person it was really hard. But I kept working and improving. Football is about patience and hard work. It’s about moments.”

He went on to highlight Howe’s impact:

“When Eddie arrived, everything changed. He transformed our mentality. The club brought in top-quality players, which helped, but there was also more ambition. He worked with me individually, helped me improve my finishing, and pushed me to be better whether I was playing on the left, the right, or centrally.”

That shift in mentality led to his best season at Newcastle in 2022/23, where he scored 11 goals in the Premier League.

Under Howe’s guidance, he reached his peak, contributing to Newcastle’s return to European competition and their Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester United.

Almirón’s New Chapter at Atlanta United

Since rejoining Atlanta United, Almirón has already made history. In his first game, he registered an assist in a 3-2 win over Montreal, making him one of only four players in club history with 50 goal involvements.

However, Atlanta struggled in their next two matches, suffering a 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC a club he nearly joined in January and drawing 0-0 with the New York Red Bulls.

Despite moving on, Almirón remains grateful for his time at Newcastle. Atlanta fans welcomed him back with black-and-white flags, honoring his achievements in England.

Reflecting on his Newcastle career, he singled out his goal in the 4-1 victory over PSG as his most cherished moment in a Magpies shirt.

Though he’s now back in the MLS, Almirón’s heart still holds a special place for Newcastle Unitedand for the genius of Eddie Howe, who helped him reach his full potential.