Rumours continue to circulate that Barcelona are on the lookout to strengthen their wing positions and that Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is now their top target.
It can surely only even be a conversation if Hansi Flick is thinking of more rotation options in 2025/26 or he and his backroom staff don’t believe there is enough strength in depth should either Raphinha or Lamine Yamal be out for any length of time.
Either way, culers can’t be blamed for feeling a little underwhelmed when the names being put forward are Diaz and Manchester United loanee, Marcus Rashford.
Both players have hit the heights in season’s past, but there’s a little less sheen on their stars nowadays.
FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Rashford has become something of an enigma and though he appears to have recovered some of his confidence, his natural game needs a huge amount of work if he wants to get back to being the player he was just a few seasons ago.
At 27 years of age he should be in his prime, but there are definite question marks as to whether the England international has still got it in him to perform at the highest level.
Barcelona certainly don’t need a player, even as cover, who is hit and miss in most games. His eye-watering salary demands are another reason to stay well clear.
A flash of brilliance here and there does not a Barca player make, and that’s something that could also be levelled at Diaz.
It’s true that his speed, work rate, and versatility make him a player that Liverpool have looked to for a number of roles, and it’s understandable that his low salary would appeal to the Catalans, however, a penchant for running down blind alleys and often taking the more difficult option after creating a decent chance isn’t going to endear him to the blaugrana faithful.
Liverpool Training Session Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Perhaps there’s an argument that his general style of play might be better suited on the continent, though he is already a year Rashford’s senior and will be 29 soon. A price tag of around €80 million is another reason why this rumored deal makes little sense.
Do Barca also really want to be handing out contracts to players that are coming towards the business end of their careers?
This is a big summer for Deco and perhaps an even bigger one for Joan Laporta as the club get set for their return to Camp Nou and eye a Champions League challenge next season.
Thanks but no thanks.