Despite headlines claiming Luis Diaz was ‘dreaming’ of a move to Barcelona, the Liverpool winger’s father made no such claim.

Given the club’s outpouring of love for the Diaz family in recent weeks, it may appear premature for Diaz Sr. to promote his son for a move away from Anfield.

Luis Manuel Diaz, his wife Cilenis Marulanda, and their extended family arrived in Liverpool on Saturday on a private jet hired by the club, ahead of their Christmas celebrations on Merseyside.

However, the weekend brought stories about Diaz’s “dream” of playing for Barcelona, following an interview with Win Sports in Colombia with Diaz Sr. There was no ‘transfer claim’ or ‘transfer warning,’ and Diaz was not ‘tipped to leave Anfield’.

Diaz Sr. did admit that, being a lifelong Barcelona fan, like many in South America, the 26-year-old’s “dream” would be to play for the club.

But there was no hint that he was lobbying for a trade, just an honest response to a direct query.

“The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” he explained via Sport Witness.

“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.

So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.

Luis is a player who finds it easy to win [fans] over because of the way he is, because of his humility, his work, his dedication. He is a very disciplined player, thank God.

“There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.”

While it is unfortunate that Diaz’s father is considering other clubs in public, it is unlikely that he will leave Liverpool anytime soon.

It is uncommon for a South American player to not aspire to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid – that is simply the reality.