FC Barcelona has made a major shift in its summer market strategy and has closed two important doors. Neither Luis Díaz nor Marcus Rashford will wear the blaugrana jersey next season, despite the interest shown for weeks. The main reason is financial, although the tactical profile Hansi Flick is looking for also plays a role.
Both players were on the club's wish list since last winter, with positive reports from the sporting management. However, the conditions imposed by Liverpool and Manchester United have complicated any real option. Joan Laporta, aware of the financial restrictions, has decided to shift the focus toward a more affordable and viable operation.
Barça prioritizes financial balance without giving up talent
Luis Díaz was an attractive option due to his dribbling, directness, and experience in demanding scenarios. However, the €80 million ($80 million) Liverpool was asking for made any real negotiation attempt unfeasible. The club needs to be more cautious with its investments to meet LaLiga's requirements and its viability plan.
In Marcus Rashford's case, the situation was different. Manchester United didn't accept a loan without a buy-back option, something Barça doesn't consider. In addition, Hansi Flick believed his profile didn't fully fit what the team needs in the attacking phase.
The German coach has requested wingers who are more unbalancing, fast, and able to play wide without losing their ability to link up. For Flick, the challenge is to complement the front three with profiles different from Robert Lewandowski, whom he wants to protect. That's why the club is looking for a player who can play both on the wing and attacking the box.
With Nico Williams already signed, Barça wants to add a solid alternative that provides depth and solutions from the bench. The sporting management believes that internal competition will raise the team's overall level. The goal is to add quality without mortgaging the club's future or blocking the growth of young players.
Contact with Chelsea, but the surprise comes from Munich
In this context, Barça once again turned to the Premier League, this time aiming directly at Chelsea. The English club had shown interest in a Bayern forward who was about to arrive on loan. Joan Laporta, together with Deco, saw the perfect opportunity to step in and get ahead at the last moment.
The player fit in every aspect: international experience, ability to break lines, and a price within reach. Although Chelsea had advanced negotiations, Barça managed to rekindle its interest thanks to Flick's own insistence. The coach keeps an excellent relationship with the player and has been key in the approach.
Sources within the club explain that this move responds to a specific need of the coaching staff. They need an attacking profile with dribbling, tactical intelligence, and the ability to adapt immediately to the pace of Camp Nou. They have found all this in a player who already knows perfectly well the demands of the highest level.
Barça believes this operation can be closed without major financial risks. The transfer fee would be reasonable and the salary wouldn't break the wage balance in the locker room. In addition, since it's a mature player, it doesn't hinder the growth of young talents like Lamine Yamal.
Coman, the piece that completes the attack
The imminent signing is none other than Kingsley Coman, a 28-year-old left winger under contract at Bayern Munich. The French footballer, who was about to go on loan to Chelsea, has been convinced by the culé project. Hansi Flick has played a decisive role, since he managed him successfully during his time in Bavaria.
Coman is highly regarded by the sporting management for his experience, dribbling, and tactical maturity. In addition, his price is lower than other targets, with a market value close to €20 million ($20 million). Barça sees him as the ideal piece to complete its attack without compromising its financial stability.
Joan Laporta has backed the operation as part of a more rational and sustained transfer policy. Deco has led the contacts with Bayern and everything indicates that the official announcement could come in days. If nothing goes wrong, Kingsley Coman will wear the blaugrana jersey next season.