'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have a chance to sign Assane Diao from Real Betis in the summer transfer window. The 18-year-old, who is still a rookie at the senior level, would reportedly cost around €15 million.
Diao, born in Ndongane, Senegal, had the opportunity to represent both Senegal and Spain at international level. He has chosen the latter. Diao has been a part of Betis' set-up since 2021 and made his first team debut for the senior team in 2023-24.
He scored four goals in 28 appearances across competitions last season. Diao is currently one of the brightest young prospects in Spanish football. Barcelona, meanwhile, have been linked with making a move for a left-winger.
Trending
While Barca have Ferran Torres and Raphinha at their disposal, new boss Hansi Flick is still expected to be looking for reinforcements. La Blaugrana have also been linked with a move for Spain international Nico Wiliams.
The Athletic Bilbao speedster, though, would cost significantly more. Given the Catalan giants' cash-strapped situation, a younger alternative like Diao could be a more feasible option.
Liverpool's Luis Diaz is another winger Barca have been linked with. Once again, financial complications could prevent a move. As for Betis' Diao, he could even become a good partner in crime with fellow attacking prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona open talks with Luis Diaz: Reports
As per Football Espana, Barcelona have opened talks with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz regarding a summer transfer. The Colombian has been one of the Reds' key players since his January 2022 move to Merseyside from Porto.
He has so far registered 24 goals and 13 assists in 98 appearances across competitions for Liverpool. Diaz is a pacey and skillful player who can bring an extra layer of fire to Barca's attack.
Diaz is contracted with the Premier League giants until the end of the 2026-27 season. As per Trasfermarkt, he has an estimated market value of €75 million. Whether the Catalan giants are currently capable of shelling out such a significant amount remains unclear.
