Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leave Barcelona wondering what might have been

TL;DR

Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showcased impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, leaving Barcelona to ponder missed opportunities. Both players were previously linked with a move to Barcelona but ended up at Bayern Munich and PSG, respectively.

Key points

Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played key roles in the Champions League semi-final.
Barcelona was interested in both players but could not secure their transfers.
Barcelona's financial issues are affecting their transfer market strategies.
The club is considering low-cost options for new signings.

BarcelonaBayern MunichParis Saint-Germain

Bayern Munich's Colombian forward Luis Diaz fights for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain's Georgian forward #07 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes in Paris on April 28, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Football was certainly the winner on Tuesday night after Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich played out a semi-final that even surpassed Barca’s against Inter last season for sheer craziness and entertainment value. Two teams that were willing to stand toe-to-toe in every department and to give absolutely everything in their quest to get a decent first-leg advantage. There was seemingly no thought given to any consequences of such a high-octane way of playing, but far from apologising after the game, both Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany said there’ll be more of the same in the second leg. Hansi Flick is evidently cut from the same cloth, and when and are in full flight, there’s no better sight in football for culers. It’s an absolute joy for all concerned when football is played with such wanton abandon, though still within the confines of team shape and discipline. What was so good about the performances of Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the night was the way in which they kept things simple, but were direct, dynamic and dangerous when they needed to be. Of course both players could have ended up at . The last summer but were priced out of a move and saw the Colombia star leave Liverpool for Bayern Munich instead. In the meantime, Barca brought in on a season-long loan. The Englishman has done a good job but looks to be heading away this summer, with finances still an issue at Barca. with Barcelona in recent years, . The Georgian went on to join PSG, while Barca signed , and the rest is history. Yet Barca now head towards another transfer window with a left winger very much on the wanted list and their ability to bring in the biggest names still very much in doubt. The club’s financial situation means low-cost options are now being looked at, with names such as Ez and Jan Virgili being bandied about or possibly even another Rashford loan. Making the right decision will be crucial, something Hansi Flick has made crystal clear already: “There are two things I want in life. Firstly, that we win the Champions League. “We have a good team for the next years, but we must make the right decisions in the transfer periods – they have to be perfect.” So who would be the perfect winger for Barca this summer if money were no object? Share your thoughts and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Q&A

Why did Barcelona miss out on signing Luis Diaz?

Barcelona was interested in Luis Diaz but was priced out of a move, allowing him to join Bayern Munich instead.

What are the implications of Barcelona's financial situation for their transfer strategy?

Barcelona's financial challenges mean they are now considering low-cost options for player acquisitions, impacting their ability to sign top talent.

How did Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia perform in the Champions League semi-final?

Both players delivered dynamic and dangerous performances, contributing significantly to the excitement of the match between PSG and Bayern Munich.

What are Barcelona's plans for the upcoming transfer window?

Barcelona is looking for a left winger and may explore options like Ez Abde or another loan for Marcus Rashford due to financial constraints.

Luis Diaz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leave Barcelona wondering what might have been

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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