Barcelona remains focused on strengthening its attacking line for next season. With Hansi Flick now established on the bench, the sporting management led by Deco and Laporta is working on strategic signings that fit the German coach's playing philosophy. Among the priorities is the addition of a winger who can provide unpredictability and directness, after Nico Williams renewed his contract with Athletic Club, which frustrated a major Barça move.
In this context, the names of Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford have been the most prominent on Barça's agenda in recent weeks. Both are top-level players, proven in the European elite, but their transfers aren't easy to complete.
Díaz is a key player at Liverpool and signing him would require a considerable financial effort. Meanwhile, although there are doubts about Rashford's future at Manchester United, he would also represent a significant investment for a club still dealing with financial restrictions.
The alternative that convinces Flick
Given these difficulties, Hansi Flick has put forward the name of Antonio Nusa as a very interesting alternative. The Norwegian winger, just 20 years old, plays for RB Leipzig and has caught Barça's attention due to his explosiveness, dribbling, and ability to link up with more technical teammates. Flick especially values his youth and room for growth, considering that Nusa could quickly adapt to Barça's tactical demands and become a valuable piece in its attacking scheme.
Unlike Luis Díaz, who would arrive with the expectation of being a starter from day one, Nusa could be integrated more gradually. The German coach also believes that his profile fits better than Rashford's, who has shown inconsistency in recent months. In that sense, both Premier League wingers might need too prominent a role in their new team, while Nusa wouldn't arrive with those demands in mind.
Liverpool and Chelsea had shown strong interest in Antonio Nusa. Both clubs had been following him closely for some time, impressed by his speed, dribbling, and maturity despite his young age. During recent transfer windows, both Liverpool and Chelsea seriously considered making formal offers to bring him into their squads, seeing Nusa as a long-term prospect.
A signing more than affordable
Another factor that works in Nusa's favor is his cost. While Díaz and Rashford are valued at about €70 million, Nusa's market price is around €30 million (about $32.6 million), an amount more in line with Barça's finances. Deco believes this is a future-oriented move with controlled risk and high potential for appreciation.
Leipzig doesn't oppose a possible departure if the player expresses his desire to take a step forward in his career. In addition, Nusa would view the option of joining Camp Nou favorably. His potential and the prominence Flick usually gives to young players are aspects that attract him to the Barça proposal.