Barcelona’s winger search has taken a sharp turn—Luis Díaz is off the table, Rafael Leão is too expensive, and Nico Williams has already renewed with Athletic. But now, a new name is gaining serious momentum: Marcus Rashford.
Luis Díaz Deal Fades, Bayern and Tragedy Close the Door
Luis Díaz was once high on Barcelona’s wishlist. The Colombian winger offered the explosiveness and creativity that Deco and Hansi Flick wanted. But multiple factors have closed that door.
First, Liverpool’s asking price—€90 million—was well out of Barça’s reach. Then came Bayern Munich’s strong interest, fueled by Jamal Musiala’s long-term injury. And finally, the tragic death of Diogo Jota has left Liverpool unwilling to part with another attacker.
With all that, Luis Díaz is no longer a viable option for Barcelona.
Rashford: Cheaper, Willing, and Ready
In contrast, Marcus Rashford is doing everything he can to become a Barcelona player. The 27-year-old English forward, currently back at Manchester United after a loan at Aston Villa, has made it clear that his dream is to wear the Blaugrana shirt.
Last winter, a deal nearly happened. Rashford was ready, but Barcelona’s financial fair play constraints shut down the move. Now, with better planning and a clearer project under Flick, the operation is back on the table.
Man United is open to a one-year loan with a mandatory purchase clause of €38 million—far less than the €62 million Athletic Club demanded for Nico Williams. Rashford is willing to lower his current €9 million net salary to help make the transfer possible.
That level of commitment has impressed Barça’s sporting director Deco.
Flick Approves, Deco Backs Him Over Nico
Rashford is already well known to Hansi Flick, who has admired his qualities since his Bayern days. The German coach sees Rashford’s:
Dribbling ability Vertical attacking style Willingness to defend Positional flexibility (can play both on the left and centrally)
That last point is crucial: with Lamine Yamal being a right-winger, Rashford offers the perfect complement to balance the attack.
Deco reportedly prefers Rashford’s profile over Nico Williams, as he believes the Englishman can adapt quicker and offer more maturity in key Champions League matches.
Bags Packed, Just Waiting
Sources in England suggest Rashford is ready to move immediately. He’s even watching Barça’s every move from afar, hopeful that this time the deal will go through.
“All he needs is the green light,” a source close to the player said. “His bags are already packed.”
In Summary:
Luis Díaz: Too expensive, untouchable at Liverpool after Jota tragedy Nico Williams: Renewed with Athletic, now out of reach Marcus Rashford: Cheaper, motivated, and approved by Flick & Deco
Barcelona’s winger dilemma may finally be solved—not with a blockbuster transfer, but with a clever, calculated move for a player ready to give everything for the shirt.