The Barcelona was clear that it must strengthen Hansi Flick’s offensive line to best face the upcoming season, where they aim to win the Champions League again after being eliminated in the semifinals last year. Many fans believe that Joan Laporta and Deco should not spend too much, as with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, the wings are well covered with two players who performed at an excellent level last season, winning LaLiga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey. However, it is equally true that at Can Barça, as at any other club, the signing of a star player is always a source of great excitement for the fans.
Furthermore, given the possible reluctance to buy a top-level player, there is also the argument of Barcelona’s finances. Joan Laporta cannot splash the cash just yet, as this could have repercussions on financial fair play. Javier Tebas’ LaLiga will once again be strict when it comes to registrations and, for example, Joan García and Szczesny, as things stand today, would not be able to play. Nor should we forget UEFA, which has fined the Catalan club €15 million, a figure that could rise if they fail to comply with the agreed conditions.
The players they want
Barcelona was close to signing Nico Williams, but faced with the possibility of not being able to register him, the Spanish international opted to renew with Athletic Club. From there, Deco and the rest of the sports management had to get to work to find an alternative. The favorite is Luis Díaz, but Bayern Munich is also interested in him, and the amount Liverpool will ask for the transfer is quite high. The other option is Marcus Rashford, who has been sidelined by Manchester United and is eager to move to Camp Nou and play with Lamine Yamal.
In addition to these two players, other names have also been mentioned, but they would be second choice for the Barcelona sporting management. One of them is Rafael Leao, who has been rumored to be leaving Milan for some time. Ademola Lookman, one of Atalanta’s stars, is also looking to leave to take a step up in his career, while Spanish international Bryan Zaragoza is seeking a new destination because he is not in Bayern Munich’s plans.
The price Barcelona would pay
Going in order of preference for the Barça sporting director, Luis Díaz is the big favorite, but Liverpool will demand at least €75 million for the Colombian, who has a contract until 2027. In fact, Bayern Munich has already experienced the toughness and demands of the Reds, who have rejected an offer of €67.5 million. On the other hand, there is Marcus Rashford, who is reported to already have a price tag. The English international would cost around €45 million, although Manchester United could make things easier with a loan deal with an option to buy, so Barcelona could save themselves the outlay this summer. However, United has finally reached an agreement for the player’s loan with an option to buy.
On the other hand, there is the alternative of Bryan Zaragoza, who once cost Bayern Munich €15 million. The Andalusian is not in the Bavarians’ plans and a new destination is being sought for him. He was already on loan at Osasuna last season and it cannot be ruled out that the Germans will return to the loan option. In the event of a sale, the figures would not be sky-high given his recent performances. In the case of Rafael Leao, Milan would not let him leave for less than $60 million for a player who is spectacular when he is on form but has failed to maintain consistency. Finally, Lookman, whose contract with Atalanta expires in 2026, could leave for a fee of between $40 million and $60 million.