FC Barcelona faced a setback today when Athletic Club confirmed that Nico Williams had extended his contract with them until 2035. The 22-year-old winger was Barcelona’s primary target for the left wing, and an agreement for a six-year deal had been reached. However, due to issues similar to last summer, Barcelona couldn’t guarantee registration, prompting Williams to stay with the Basque club.
Now, Barcelona must revise their transfer strategy, focusing on securing a top-tier winger. Luis Diaz from Liverpool and Marcus Rashford from Manchester United are the primary alternatives. Deco, a key figure in Barcelona’s management, has always preferred Diaz, yet acquiring him has become more challenging. Liverpool, having rejected Bayern Munich’s offer, consider Diaz crucial, especially after the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota.
With Diaz’s transfer appearing difficult, Rashford becomes a more feasible option. He is eager to join Barcelona, even willing to reduce his salary or accept a loan deal. Manchester United, however, is seeking around €40 million for a permanent transfer. Manager Ruben Amorim prefers Rashford to leave before pre-season, potentially allowing a loan with an option to buy.
Barcelona’s decision on which player to pursue could influence their overall squad planning. Opting for Rashford on loan might free up funds for additional signings.
