FC Barcelona has begun preparing for the 2025–26 season with maximum intensity under Hansi Flick, who has yet to finalize his squad. The club is still subject to the 1:1 rule, meaning it has not registered players such as Joan García and Szczesny. In addition, more moves are expected, for which the planned departures are necessary but not yet finalized. It cannot be ruled out that some important sales will have to be made in order to sign the winger that the Azulgrana have been looking for for several seasons. Without Nico Williams, the search continues, and although one of the favorites seemed the most feasible option, Marcus Rashford, a new suitor has come between the Culés and their target.
Waiting for Luis Díaz
For Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, Luis Díaz has always been the favorite for the position, even though he knows that signing him will not be an easy task. Liverpool’s refusal to let him go, coupled with his high price tag and competition, complicate the deal considerably. The Colombian, Barça’s plan A to strengthen the team’s attack, has been declared non-transferable by the English club, but the lack of agreement on his renewal complicates his continuity. Surprisingly, the key to the Colombian’s signing for FC Barcelona could lie with Rodrygo, who is wanted by both Liverpool and Bayern. Barça is waiting for this deal to be finalized and is beginning to think more seriously about the Marcus Rashford option.
Rashford gains ground
There are several reasons for opting to sign the English winger. On the one hand, there is the player’s desire to wear the Barça shirt. He has said so publicly while praising Lamine Yamal, and there has even been talk that he would be willing to make a financial effort by taking a considerable pay cut in order to play at the Camp Nou.
On the other hand, Manchester United does not count on the player. Rashford has been left out of the English team’s return to work so that he can settle his future. In addition, the club has withdrawn his number 10 shirt, so everything points to his departure, and Manchester United are willing to do everything in their power to make it happen. This is where the other advantage of signing the player comes in: his price. The deal could be completed for just over $40 million, which would be well below the other names on the list, which would exceed $70 million.
Danger with a new suitor
The more it looks like Rashford will be the chosen one, the more a new suitor for the player emerges, which could complicate the deal. According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool is also considering signing the striker, who will turn 28 at the end of October. This interest comes, as in the case of Barcelona, as a plan B for the Reds’ desired deal.
Anfield is focusing on Rashford, seeing that Arsenal is finalizing the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri, according to The Athletic, who was the English team’s main target for the attack. The future of the English striker remains up in the air, but the only thing that seems obvious is that he will leave United this summer.