A Premier League star is still determined to fulfil his dream and play for FC Barcelona despite its … More
A Premier League star is still determined to fulfil his dream and play for FC Barcelona despite its increased interest in Nico Williams according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources.
After Barca paid former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s €25 million release clause, and announced his capture on Wednesday, it has moved on to trying to land Euro 2024 winner Williams, who is also a close friend of Lamine Yamal.
Doing so will require the triggering of another release clause, though this one is a lot more expensive at €58 million and won’t be as straightforward to raise for a club still recovering from a financial crisis that pushed it to the brink of oblivion earlier this decade.
In the meantime, while Nico has reportedly agreed to join Barca, Marcus Rashford is still pushing for a transfer from Manchester United to Catalonia according to Mundo Deportivo.
Before interest was sparked in Williams again, Rashford was believed to be Barca’s top target for the left wing alongside Luis Diaz.
With Rashford previously rated at around €40 million, he would be the cheapest of these forwards while Diaz is the most expensive at something close to €85 million.
Rashford and his corner don’t believe that signing Williams will be an obstacle that puts the kibosh on the England international’s Camp Nou dream.
His input on the pitch isn’t only limited to the left wing, as, unlike Williams, Rashford can play all three positions across the front line while providing a good alternative to the aging Robert Lewandowski.
The Pole is entering the last year of his contract signed when joining from Bayern Munich in the ‘economic levers’ summer of 2022, and Barca as of yet has no natural heir for him other than winger Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo playing as a false 9.
The newspaper also writes that Rashford is willing to lower his salary demands, while United would seek a reduced fee of €30 million.
FC Barcelona might still struggle to afford both Williams and Rashford
Even at a cut rate for Rashford, FC Barcelona might struggle to afford both him and Williams. Across those two potential deals, we’re talking about more than $100 million in cash, which is still a push for Barca despite its improved financial health under President Joan Laporta.
