FC Barcelona accuses the blow. While the Catalan club thought it had completed the arrival of Nico Williams this summer, the Athletic Club announced this Friday the surprise extension of its star winger until 2035, with a liberating clause revised widely upwards. A real cold shower for the leaders of the Blaugrana.
This unexpected scenario leaves a bitter taste within Barça, which feels betrayed for the second time in a year. This time, the Catalans thought they were holding out, especially since the 22 -year -old had a good relationship with several Spanish internationals from the FC Barcelona cloakroom, notably Lamine Yamal. But Bilbao's public announcement took everyone, forcing the Spanish champion to change his plans.
Luis Diaz, the priority
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça has therefore reactivated its fees of withdrawal. In priority: Luis Diaz. The Liverpool winger has been in the viewfinder of the Catalan club for several months, with discussions already started between his agent and the sports director. The Colombian player would even have expressed his desire to join Camp Nou. But the file is currently frozen, the English club being bereaved by the recent disappearance of Diogo Jota in a road accident.
In the event that the Reds refuses to negotiate, Barça could then turn to Marcus Rashford. The striker, loaned to Aston Villa last winter, is no longer in the Manchester United plans. Mundo Deportivo claims that he is still pushing to join Barcelona and that his transfer, estimated at just over 46 million euros, would be more accessible. The player would also be ready to lower his salary to facilitate the operation.
After the bitter failure of the Nico Williams file, FC Barcelona has no choice but to reinvent itself on the transfer market. Between Luis Diaz and Rashford, the Catalans still hope to strengthen their attack this summer.
