Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has publicly spoken about Liverpool star Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, fuelling fresh speculation ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Spanish giants are keen on bolstering their attack and have been linked with a move for the Premier League duo.
Barcelona’s interest in Rashford dates back to the January transfer window, with the club trying hard to sign him on loan. And while a move did not materialise then, Barcelona’s interest in the player remains ahead of the summer.
Luis Diaz has also been linked with Barcelona, with the Liverpool attacker’s contract situation at the club still uncertain. Flick has now fuelled further speculation by admitting his admiration for the two players.
Barcelona manager on Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Man United’s Marcus Rashford
The Barcelona manager has now mentioned the two players in his latest press conference ahead of the match against Athletic Bilbao.
When asked about the possibility of signing the likes of Diaz and Rashford, Flick said: “Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford are both fantastic players, I like them and we’ll see what happens.
“I won’t speak about players who are at other clubs”.
Luis Diaz’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain
Diaz played a key role in the Liverpool side that won their 20th Premier League title earlier this season.
Perhaps his most important contribution came at a time when Diogo Jota suffered an injury as he slotted in the central role and did a decent job, scoring eight goals and assisting one in 14 games.
Diaz had a dry patch mid-season but he regained his form towards the final stretch of the season, scoring four goals and assisting three in his last nine appearances.
Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
Left Winger | 30 | 6 | 7 |
Centre-Forward | 14 | 8 | 1 |
Right Winger | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Left Midfield | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Despite his performances, it is reported that Arne Slot is open to selling Diaz, despite FSG’s preference to keep him.
There is interest from Barcelona as well as the Saudi Pro League, and with his contract expiring in 2027, the Reds could cash in on Diaz if they receive a tempting offer.
Marcus Rashford is open to options in the summer
Marcus Rashford on the other hand had a difficult first half of the season after falling out with Ruben Amroim, who banished the England star from the team.
Rashford moved to Aston Villa on loan in January and has since then revived his form, playing a key role in Villa’s impressive Champions League campaign.
Rashford’s priority is to sign for Barcelona, but he has informed Villa that he is open to a move to Villa regardless of Champions League qualification.
It remains to be seen which Barcelona ends up pursuing, but it’s becoming increasingly likely that at least one of Diaz or Rashford could be wearing a Blaugrana shirt next season.