While Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed interest in the Premier League duo, he also revealed the club’s top priority this summer.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed the club’s interest in two high-profile Premier League stars as they prepare to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025–26 season. The Catalan club secured the La Liga title this season and also reached the Champions League semi-finals. Barcelona continue to operate under financial constraints, with La Liga’s strict salary cap rules impacting their flexibility in the market.
Barcelona are targeting a dynamic winger to complement Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system. Speaking to Catalan radio station RAC1, Deco confirmed that Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz are among the names being closely monitored by the Catalan giants.
Deco said,
“We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”
Marcus Rashford is reportedly available for around £40 million after falling out of favour at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. The England forward spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa and registered four goals and five assists in 17 appearances under Unai Emery. Rashford had previously hoped for a move to Camp Nou during the January transfer window, but eventually joined Villa instead. With United open to offers, a summer transfer to Spain remains a viable possibility.
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Meanwhile, Luis Diaz has been a standout performer in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning Liverpool side. The Colombian winger delivered 17 goals and five assists in 49 matches across all competitions. Diaz’s style and productivity make him an ideal candidate for Barcelona’s attacking setup. Barcelona’s admiration for the winger is clear, and the club are keeping close tabs on his situation.
While Deco confirmed interest in the duo, he also clarified that renewing contracts of key young stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi remains the club’s top priority this summer.
Deco said,
“Our big priority is to strengthen what we have at home with the renewals of Pedri, Gavi, (Ronald) Araujo, Raphinha, (Jules) Kounde.”
“I understand that when people talk about signings, they always think about players coming from abroad, but for me, renewals are also signings. Lamine (renewing) is the best signing in history.”
“Then, if the team can be improved. From what we’ve seen this season, we need a player with a different profile to what we have to help the strikers. Fermin (Lopez) has played as a winger and has done well. The composition of the squad also depends on the market.”
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