Barcelona's transfer market seemed closed after Joan Laporta's announcement at the press conference. With the addition of Marcus Rashford, on loan with a purchase option, no further moves were expected. However, this star signing has had unexpected consequences for another target that Deco had very well on track.
For weeks, Barça's sporting management worked discreetly to strengthen the left wing of the attack. The idea was to find a player with an unbalancing profile, speed, and goal-scoring ability to form a lethal tandem with Lamine. However, the operation has been ruled out after Rashford's arrival, who will take over that position with authority.
The operation falls through due to technical and financial decisions
The club assures that it wasn't a matter of quality or football fit. The player was convinced to sign for Barça and there was already a pre-agreement with his camp. However, with Rashford already on the squad, everything changed: there is no salary margin or tactical space for another pure winger.
The sporting management considered the possibility of insisting, but the numbers and planning prioritized other needs. Hansi Flick also had a say in the final decision, opting to give confidence to young players like Roony Bardghji. The club, therefore, informed the player's camp that it wouldn't move forward with the negotiations.
The decision was tough, especially because the player had fully committed to the idea of playing at Camp Nou. His camp assures that he rejected offers from other European giants while waiting for Barça's final "yes." However, that moment never came, and alternatives began to be activated quickly.
A European giant signs the desired winger
The club that moved the fastest was one of the Bundesliga giants, in need of strengthening its attack. After the departure of several key names and the injury of one of its stars, they needed firepower on the wing. That is where this footballer appeared, with experience, speed, and dribbling skills.
In just 72 hours, an agreement was reached with his original club for a figure close to €75 million. The agreement includes performance and title-related variables, as well as a long contract with a star salary. The buying club also offered stability, guaranteed minutes, and a leading role from day one.
For the player's camp, it has been a brilliant solution after Barça's unexpected rejection. Although there was excitement about wearing the blaugrana jersey, they consider that the new destination is even better competitively. His decision has been made with maturity, and now he hopes to show that the mistake was Barça's.
An opportunity that slips away for Barça
With this deal closed, Barça is left without one of the most desired gems of the attacking market. Internally, it is acknowledged that the player was ideal for the culé style and that there was total willingness. However, Rashford's signing has changed everything, and now that door is closed forever.
Moreover, losing this opportunity could also affect Barça's future operations in that market. As this was a failed deal with great impact, other talents might look to safer destinations. Deco and his team will have to move quickly if they don't want to lose more key pieces this summer.
Finally, the player who was one step away from joining Barça and ended up at Bayern... is Luis Díaz. The Colombian will sign until 2029, earning €14 million gross per season. A perfect deal for the Germans... and another headache for Barça.