Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the Catalan giants are monitoring both Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as potential summer targets, though he stressed that internal squad renewals remain the club’s top priority.
Speaking in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1, Deco admitted Barcelona’s admiration for the two Premier League stars, amid growing speculation that the La Liga champions could look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
“We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco stated. “When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”
Both players have recently been the subject of transfer rumours linking them with moves to Spain. Rashford, 26, was reportedly holding out for a switch to Barcelona during the January window before completing a surprise loan move to Aston Villa. United are said to be open to selling the England forward this summer, with an asking price of around £40 million.
Diaz, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong season at Liverpool, and while there is no indication the Merseyside club are actively seeking to offload the Colombian winger—who has two years left on his contract—his dynamic style and versatility have made him a long-time admirer among Barcelona scouts.
Yet, despite the high-profile links, Deco was quick to shift focus toward what he described as the “real signings” of the summer: contract renewals for the club’s emerging core of talent.
“Our big priority is to strengthen what we have at home with the renewals of Pedri, Gavi, [Ronald] Araujo, Raphinha, [Jules] Kounde,” Deco said. “I understand that when people talk about signings, they always think about players coming from abroad, but for me, renewals are also signings.”
One of those key renewals includes teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose explosive breakthrough season has been widely celebrated. Deco called Yamal’s potential extension “the best signing in history,” underlining just how important the 17-year-old is to Barcelona’s long-term vision.
Under newly re-signed manager Hansi Flick, who extended his deal last week after securing the La Liga title, Barcelona are expected to make surgical additions rather than wholesale changes. Deco confirmed that squad balance would be critical in the club’s recruitment strategy this summer.
“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,” Deco explained. “Fermín [Lopez] has played as a winger and has done well. The composition of the squad also depends on the market.”
Barcelona’s interest in Rashford and Diaz, both of whom offer pace, width, and directness—qualities that could complement Robert Lewandowski and João Félix—reflects Flick’s desire to add variety to his forward line.
However, financial constraints remain a factor. Barcelona’s tight wage structure and long-standing issues with La Liga’s salary limits mean that any potential big-money signings will be carefully weighed against internal needs and outgoings.
Meanwhile, Rashford has found his form again at Villa Park and recently stated that he’s been “playing better football” since joining the Midlands club on loan. Whether United are ready to part with a homegrown star and whether Rashford himself still dreams of the Camp Nou remains to be seen.
As for Díaz, Liverpool would likely command a significant fee for a player still considered central to their post-Klopp rebuild under new manager Arne Slot. Barcelona would likely need to sell players or negotiate structured deals to fund such a move.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Deco’s comments have added fuel to speculation—but have also reinforced that, for Barcelona, stability at home may be the first order of business before turning to marquee signings.
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