FC Barcelona Reach Agreement To Sign Uruguayan Wonderkid From Liverpool: Reports

FC Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Fabricio Diaz from Liverpool Montevideo, according to a report shared by Mundo Deportivo.

Diaz impressed at the South American U20 championships earlier this year, and captained his country to a runners-up spot in the final against eventual winners Brazil.

Barca took notice of the top scorer of the competition in Vitor Roque, who they could sign for around €45 million ($50 million) from Athletico Paranaense this summer now that the Brazilian forward has turned 18.

But Diaz also took their eye, which, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, has led to Diaz’s agent Martin Rodriguez Nader heading to Barca HQ last week to meet with the club’s sports department.

There, according to Global Deportivo, Barca must have agreed a transfer with his current employers Liverpool Montevideo for a much cheaper €8 million ($8.8 million).

The plan should be for Diaz to reinforce the reserve team known as Barca Atletic. If he evolves, however, Diaz could replicate the trajectory of untouchable starter and compatriot Ronald Araujo by progressing to the first team and one day becoming the successor to captain Sergio Busquets in defensive midfield.

If the report is accurate, Barca have beaten South American giants Flamengo and River Plate in Brazil and Argentina to Diaz’s signature.

The signing will have been made to tie Diaz up before the U20 World Cup in May, as if he performs as well as in the South American championships, interest in him could have increased alongside his price tag.

A born leader with maturity beyond his years, Diaz already captains Liverpool despite being 20 and is considered to be one of the most promising talents in his small but gifted homeland.

It now remains to be seen if Barca can get his purchase registered amid Financial Fair Play demands, after being publicly warned by La Liga president Javier Tebas that they must shave €200 million ($218 million) from the wage bill ahead of next season.

If everything goes well, however, Diaz can act as a much cheaper alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi who would cost the Blaugrana almost 10 times as much at €70 million ($77 million).