Barcelona have reportedly begun discussions with Liverpool over a potential swap deal that could see Frenkie de Jong move to Anfield this summer.
The Reds opted not to make any major moves in the January transfer window, with Arne Slot’s side prepared to act if the right opportunity arose—but ultimately, no deals materialized.
So far, Liverpool’s only signings since Jurgen Klopp’s departure have been Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, the latter returning to Valencia on loan. Despite this, Slot has guided his team to the top of the Premier League, sitting six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand.
While Slot’s debut season has been impressive, he has also faced off-field challenges, including contract uncertainties surrounding key players Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are set to become free agents at the end of the season.
Recent reports suggested that Salah and Van Dijk had agreed to new deals, but Slot dismissed those claims, stating, “We have some contractual situations that you probably don’t know about.”
“But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven’t extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.
“My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well. You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.
“The players that don’t play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else? So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do.”
The upcoming summer transfer window could be pivotal for Liverpool, with reports from Spain suggesting that the Reds are eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona have reportedly ‘intensified contacts’ regarding a potential deal and are ‘exploring the possibility of an exchange’ that would see Luis Díaz head to the Camp Nou in return.
It is claimed that one of Slot’s ‘wishes is to reinforce the midfield with a world-class midfielder’ with compatriot De Jong the man he reckons ‘fits perfectly into Liverpool’s style of play’.
Barcelona, for their part, ‘do not rule out the sale’ and now their sporting director Deco ‘has opened talks with Liverpool to explore exchange options, with the intention of taking advantage of the Reds interest in the Dutchman.’
Deco ‘wants to include’ Liverpool winger Diaz ‘in a possible swap deal with De Jong’ but although it ‘sounds attractive to both sides, it won’t be a straightforward deal’.
The report adds: ‘Talks between Deco and Liverpool are still ongoing, and in the coming weeks there could be progress on this possible surprise operation. Barça know that they need quality reinforcements to remain competitive, and the possibility of incorporating Luis Diaz through an exchange with De Jong is an option that the club is studying closely.’
