Barcelona rule out move for Manchester United attacker, prioritise Liverpool ace | OneFootball

The failed signing of Nico Williams has forced Barcelona to shift focus – more accurately, to return to their original plan.

From the outset, the top target was Liverpool winger, Luis Diaz. Both manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco identified the Colombian as their preferred choice, but the sudden emergence of the Nico opportunity temporarily altered that path.

But the Spaniard’s snub has forced Barcelona to return their attention to Diaz, while at the same time, Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford also remains an option.

Deco, Flick rule out Rashford

However, according to AS, Rashford is not currently on Barcelona’s agenda. Neither Flick nor Deco consider him a priority, and the likelihood of him joining the club is minimal.

Manchester United are open to letting him go for a fee of around €40 million. The club’s urgency to part ways with the player is such that they would even consider a loan arrangement.

Deco, Flick not keen on Rashford. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Rashford himself is said to be willing to reduce his salary in order to join the Catalan club. However, Deco as well as Flick do not see him as a priority target at the moment.

Both the German manager and the director are backing a player who is more versatile, more committed, and accustomed to leadership – someone with the experience to support younger players. In this context, Diaz stands out clearly as the ideal profile.

It is true that Rashford, through his agent, has expressed his desire to play for Barcelona, particularly alongside Lamine Yamal. But for now, it remains a wish rather than a real possibility.

However, signing Diaz will not be easy for Barcelona. With a month and a half remaining in the transfer window, the club views this as a drawn-out negotiation rather than a quick deal.