After Nico Williams's "no," Barça still plans to strengthen the winger position. The Spanish international has renewed his contract with Athletic Club de Bilbao until 2035, ruling out any option of wearing the blaugrana jersey.
Despite this setback, there's no panic at Can Barça. There is a month and a half left to make moves in the transfer market, and the sporting management is keeping calm. However, the club is clear that the winger position is a priority to strengthen the attack.
Luis Díaz, almost impossible
Among the options still on the table, Luis Díaz's name remains the favorite of the sporting management. The Colombian from Liverpool has all the characteristics Barça is looking for, but signing him seems complicated, if not utopian.
Liverpool isn't interested in selling Luis Díaz, and if they were to do so, they'd only accept an offer of 80 million. This figure is out of Barça's reach in its current economic situation, which practically rules out any real possibility of him arriving this summer.
Marcus Rashford, waiting
Given this reality, Barça is keeping other alternatives in reserve. One of them, increasingly serious, is Marcus Rashford. The English forward, currently at Manchester United, has told those close to him that he'd be willing to wait for Barça "as long as it takes."
However, time is running out. He has offers on the table, although his priority is Barça, he can't wait indefinitely. The lack of concrete moves from the blaugrana club could lead the Englishman to decide on another proposal.
Last-minute offer
In fact, one of those offers that have recently reached Rashford comes from abroad, and not just any club. According to El Nacional, José Mourinho's Fenerbahce has taken the lead in the race for the forward. The Portuguese coach reportedly called Rashford personally to convince him to join his project.
The Turkish team's proposal is not only financially attractive, it also guarantees him a leading role. Mourinho wants to build his attack around the Englishman, and he's promised him a key role from day one. This puts even more pressure on Barça, which will have to act if it doesn't want to see another of its priority options slip away.