Barcelona Eyes Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford To Boost Attack

Barcelona chief Deco has admitted that the club likes Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, dropping a hint about possible moves for new wingers in the summer transfer window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Deco confirmed that Barcelona were interested in signing wide attackers, with the club chief naming Diaz and Rashford as examples of players they liked. He did add that it would be unwise for Barcelona to talk in public about footballers tied to other clubs by contracts. Deco’s stance is unlikely to prevent speculation over the Catalans’ pursuit of new forwards, as he later confirmed Xavi’s side need fresh talent in their wide attacking positions before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.

WHY BARCELONA WANTS NEW WIDE PLAYERS

As the season wore on, it became clear that Barcelona were relying on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal too much to provide width and goals in attack. Deco admitted as much earlier in January as he confirmed the squad is lacking in those departments. Although Barcelona secured a second-place finish in La Liga, eight points behind champions Real Madrid, their lack of options in attack cost them their title as they faltered in crucial fixtures. Yamal, the talented 17-year-old, scored six goals and provided seven assists in 38 league outings, while Raphinha struck five times in addition to setting up nine strikes for teammates. Diaz registered 10 goals for Liverpool over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, while Rashford scored seven for Manchester United. Either forward would bring experience and quality to Xavi’s squad.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

With the summer transfer window now open, Barcelona are expected to step up their pursuit of new signings as they pursue fresh talent in their wide positions. The Catalans face a difficult summer as they have a limited budget to upgrade their playing staff. Xavi and Deco will have to make full use of their expert knowledge to improve Barca’s squad and fan expectations when the club’s pre-season schedule begins in early August. Barcelona edged out Girona to finish second in La Liga, and they will not be able to catch Real Madrid next season unless they strengthen before then.