Barcelona are in the midst of planning their summer transfer window for 2025, and the hunt is on for a left-winger who can give the team a boost and fit into coach Hansi Flick’s plans. Two names stand out: Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Both have their strengths, but it’s not just playing style that matters – money and negotiations also play a big role. Here we dive into what the two can bring, how they fit in, and who has the best chance of shining at Camp Nou.
Why Barcelona needs a new winger
Barcelona have had a great season in La Liga and the Champions League, but with games as close as hail, players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are getting tired. The left flank lacks a proper backup, and Flick wants a player with speed, technique and flexibility. Such a type can provide more punch in the attack, whether in calm build-ups or lightning-fast counterattacks, while also giving the stars a rest sometimes.
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams used to be a hot name, but his price tag and salary demands became too stiff. Now it’s Díaz and Rashford who are at the top of the list. Both can play on the wing or as a striker, which gives Flick plenty of options in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. The question is: Who will get the honor of pulling on the Kids Barcelona Football Kit?
Luis Díaz: Liverpool dynamo with X-factor
What he brings to the table
Luis Díaz is a player who makes defenders sweat. He is a master at outmaneuvering people one-on-one, and in tight spaces he shows off his silky feet and quick turns. This season he has scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in 36 Premier League games – quite impressive! He also works like a hero in defense, something Flick really appreciates as he likes players who press high.
Former player Alex Delmás, who now analyzes matches, says: “Díaz can change a game on his own. He is perfect for Barcelona when they need someone who can unlock a defense.” Díaz is also good at running smartly without the ball, so he is a perfect fit for quick transitions.
What’s standing in the way?
Liverpool wants around €60m for Díaz, and with his contract running until 2027, they are in no rush to sell. As if that wasn’t enough, Saudi side Al-Nassr could step in if they fail to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, which could see the price skyrocket. Barcelona also has to stay within La Liga’s strict financial regulations, so they may have to sell some players or fix their wage bill to make ends meet.
Marcus Rashford: Counterattacking king with question marks
What he can add
Marcus Rashford is a player who can get things moving. He is at his best when he is allowed to run in space, often between the full-back and the centre-back, and can explode on the counter-attack. But this season has not been his best – just 6 goals and 4 assists in 25 games for United and Aston Villa (where he was on loan). Still, he has something that could work at Barcelona.
Delmás believes Rashford could fit in: “He is deadly on the counter-attack and can play several roles. But he has fluctuated a bit in form.” Compared to Díaz, Rashford is not as keen on chasing opponents, and that could be a problem in Flick’s system, which requires everyone to work defensively.
What are the challenges?
United want €48m for Rashford, but Barcelona are more interested in a loan with an option to buy. That would save money in the short term, but United would have to say yes first. Rashford’s high salary is also a headache – he may have to take a pay cut to make it work. If he can find his form again, he could be a hit. But will he get the chance to pull on a Barcelona Soccer Jerseys and show off at Camp Nou?
Who fits best in Flick’s system?
The attack: Who causes the most trouble?
Díaz and Rashford both have a lot to offer, but they are slightly different. Díaz is the king of dribbling past people and causing chaos in defence, which is invaluable when Barcelona play against low teams. Rashford, on the other hand, is a rocket in transition, where he can run past anyone and punish teams that are high up.
If we look at the numbers, Díaz wins. He scores and assists more often, and he dribbles and creates more chances per game. That makes him a safer choice for Barcelona’s game, which is often about controlling the ball and then striking quickly.
The Defense Job: Who bothers to run back?
Flick is keen for everyone to contribute defensively, and here Díaz has an advantage. He runs like crazy for Liverpool, steals balls and presses high. Rashford is not as keen, and that could make him struggle to fit into Flick’s intense style.
Form and future
Rashford has had a tough few seasons, and many wonder if he can get back to his best. Díaz, on the other hand, has been consistently good at Liverpool. With Barcelona looking to challenge for both La Liga and the Champions League, Díaz seems like the safer bet. But if Rashford suddenly clicks, he could become a superstar.
How does Barcelona do it
Money is always an issue for Barcelona. Díaz costs more, and Liverpool are tough to negotiate with. Rashford could be cheaper on loan, but his wages are still an issue. No matter who they go for, the club will have to sell players or cut corners to comply with La Liga rules.
Fortunately, Barcelona have a strong squad and an academy that makes it easy for new players to come in. Whether it’s Díaz or Rashford, they’ll be playing with the likes of Lewandowski and Pedri, and that could be a winning combination in the 2025-26 season.
What now?
Both Díaz and Rashford can lift Barcelona’s attack, but Díaz seems like the better choice right now. He’s consistent, hard-working, and has the skills to unlock tight defenses. Rashford is an exciting option, especially if they sign him on loan, but he needs to prove he can deliver consistently. Whoever it is, one thing is for sure: Barcelona’s next move will be something to watch, and fans are eager to see what happens at Camp Nou.
