The failed signing of Nico Williams to cover the left wing disrupted the plans of the FC Barcelona for the 2025/26 season. This has sparked a debate about who should be chosen to compete alongside Raphinha for that position, and former Barça player Pedro Rodríguez has pointed to La Masía.
In this regard, the Lazio attacker in Serie A has stated on 'Jijantes' that it would be good to opt for a player from the youth categories of the Blaugrana team. However, he highlighted the excitement that the incorporation of a star player can generate.
"I would opt for a youth academy player that you can work with and refine. And, obviously, that has the level. Bringing in a star always generates more excitement, but Barça is interested in adjusting one or two pieces and continuing to structure the rest with the youth academy".
Although the 37-year-old player preferred not to gamble on a name, in recent days two players from Barça Atlètic have been sounding like a possible solution for the left wing. They are Jan Virgili and Dani Rodríguez, who would be seen as pieces that can fit perfectly on that flank.
Moreover, coach Hansi Flick would have a high regard for the profiles of these left wingers. Rodríguez has already debuted with the first team during the 2024/25 season and Virgili is expected to travel with the Catalan team on the Asian tour.
Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford, a dilemma for Barça's left wing
Although both Marcus Rashford and Luis Díaz would be delighted to play for Barça, the Blaugrana team faces a significant dilemma when it comes to deciding which player will ultimately be pursued in the summer market that just opened on July 1.
On one hand, the Colombian, if he joins Barça, would demand a clause in his contract stating that if the club cannot register him, they would have to pay him a large sum of money for the sporting damage this would entail, according to 'Diario AS'.
Díaz's contract as a player for Liverpool ends in the summer of 2026, but the high amount of money (between 70 and 80 million euros) that the 'Reds' would demand would be the main drawback. Additionally, according to recent rumors, the '7' would have a pre-agreement with Bayern Munich.
It is worth noting that this stems from the aftermath of the controversy surrounding the registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor last season, which continues to leave a mark on the Blaugrana environment. This is compounded by persistent reports indicating that Barça would not be complying with the 1:1 financial rule, which would compromise their ability to register new signings.
On the other hand, the English '10' would be thrilled to land at Camp Barça, but the Catalan side would prefer to opt for a loan. However, the problem arises when discussing his salary, as the forward would be earning around 20 million euros annually.
Nevertheless, Barcelona has not yet ruled out his possible incorporation. Furthermore, rumors have also indicated that the player would be willing to lower his salary in order to join Barça. Rashford has a contract with Manchester United until 2028 and, according to Transfermarkt, his value is around 50 million euros.
Summer market with uncertainties, but enough time for Barcelona
While the failure of the Nico Williams signing represents a tough blow to the club's sporting plans, it came at a time that will allow Barça to maneuver with time to finalize the signings they desire, as the summer transfer market closes on August 29.
The options of Dani Rodríguez and Jan Virgili, although they are being evaluated, would imply the incorporation of a player like Luis Díaz or Marcus Rashford, which would also be present in the offices of the Catalan team, which also wants to build a squad capable of competing for all titles.
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