In the first meetings held with Deco, Flick has insisted time and again on the need to bring in a winger. Flick believes that he can't start the season relying exclusively on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to occupy the flanks of the attack.
For Flick, width is essential in his game plan. He needs depth and constant dribbling from the wings, and he believes that the team is short on personnel.
Wingers, the priority
In this regard, the club is still working on Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford. Both are international-level wingers, with experience on big stages and the ability to make a difference. Luis Díaz, a Liverpool player, has been one of the coaching staff's obsessions for months.
Meanwhile, Rashford, from Manchester United, offers versatility, something that also appeals to Barça. Both operations, however, are not simple. Luis Díaz is a key piece in Liverpool's system and his price, close to €80 million, is beyond Barça's current room for maneuver.
In Rashford's case, the contractual situation could make his departure easier, but his performance and some internal doubts mean that he isn't a unanimous bet at the Catalan club.
Flick prefers someone else over Rashford
In fact, according to El Nacional, Flick would be starting to rule out the Rashford option. Although the Englishman is still valued for his potential, the German coach prefers a different profile for his ideal winger. Flick is looking for a more vertical player, more consistent in his performance, and with fewer question marks regarding his recent form.
Meanwhile, the Luis Díaz situation has cooled off even more. At Barça, they know that it's practically impossible to reach the figures Liverpool is demanding, and under no circumstances are they considering paying such a high amount for a signing. With these two options blocked, Flick has decided to take the initiative and put a new name on the table that, in his opinion, would fit perfectly in his project.
The player Flick proposes
This is Ademola Lookman, a winger from Atalanta, who has had a spectacular season in Serie A. The Nigerian, whose contract ends in 2026, could leave for about €35 million, which makes him a very attractive option for the sporting management. His speed, dribbling, and ability to score important goals make him a profile very much to Flick's liking.