Barcelona President Drops Bombshell on Marcus Rashford Transfer Saga
Barcelona chief Joan Laporta maintained that Marcus Rashford remained the club's primary target throughout a "complex" transfer saga that also featured extensive talks with Athletic Club sensation Nico Williams and Liverpool's Luis Díaz.
Half a year after initially expressing interest in joining the Catalan giants, Rashford finally completed his move to the Spanish titleholders on Wednesday. The Manchester United exile had openly expressed his eagerness to team up with Lamine Yamal, though Barcelona's intentions had been less transparent.
During different stages of the summer window, Hansi Flick's squad seemed more focused on pursuing Díaz, while a transfer for Williams appeared close to finalization before falling through at the final hurdle.
Nevertheless, Laporta, displaying his characteristic confidence, declared that the club secured their top priority. "It's been a more complex situation due to various opinions from different quarters," the club chief revealed in an extensive discussion with Mundo Deportivo.
"Multiple alternatives were available, and I'm delighted because we ultimately obtained the choice I favored most. It's accurate that I also appreciated Luis Díaz, an exceptionally well-rounded player, but given his situation, with Liverpool firmly positioned, it proved challenging, though I appreciate the player's consistent desire to join us. The identical scenario occurred with Nico Williams."
In contrast to Rashford or Díaz, Williams possessed a definitive release clause that Barcelona could activate to bypass Athletic Club in discussions. The Basque club openly challenged whether their Catalan rivals possessed the financial means for their star winger's transfer, presenting their argument to La Liga, but sources suggest Williams was responsible for the deal's ultimate failure.
After observing the registration disputes involving Dani Olmo the previous season, Williams allegedly demanded a provision in his Barcelona contract permitting his departure should the club fail to register him properly. Barça's rejection of this requirement became the decisive factor—surprising many in Catalonia.
Laporta presented an alternative narrative that positioned Barcelona as holding the strongest negotiating position.
"We were engaged in discussions with Rashford [when] Nico's representative approached me proposing the opportunity to sign him," Laporta stated. "Initially, I preferred pursuing the other two alternatives [Rashford and Díaz], but in such situations, I always consult the sporting director. He suggested we should at least consider it since he's a compelling player who can compete at this level.
"Discussions occurred, but between their initial proposals and the final outcome, there existed significant disparities regarding payment structure, the agent's fees, and various conditions that already indicated the deal wouldn't materialize. Deco established a 48-hour ultimatum, and without accepting our terms, we wouldn't proceed."
"Athletic didn't block his signing, nor did Nico refuse to join," Laporta concluded, "but rather the terms they proposed were unacceptable to us."