Marcus Rashford finally has a pen to paper about his seasonal loan agreement with Barcelona after prolonged conversations with Manchester United, but the English star was not the only winger that the club had in mind
Barcelona Chef Joan Laporta has revealed how a “big difference” in payment conditions has withdrawn them from the race to sign Nico Williams before they finally decided to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
The La Liga side made a major priority to sign a new left wing player this summer and had conversations about deals for both Williams and Luis Diaz in Liverpool, but could not agree.
This week they concluded a loan agreement for Rashford and have an option to buy the English international for £ 26 million at the end of the season.
But things could have become different if they had been successful in conversations for athletic Bilbao star Williams, who then signed a new 10-year-old deal with the Basque club after the negotiations with Barcelona were demolished.
The club also made an approach for Diaz before Liverpool told that he was not for sale and Barcelona President Laporta has detailed his difficulties in detail to sign a new winger.
He said his preference was to sign Diaz or Rashford before the Williams agent offered his client to the Spanish giants.
“The signing of Luis DÃaz was complicated and we were in the middle of the negotiations with Rashford, but the Nico Williams agent came to us to offer the opportunity to sign him,” he said Marca. “Deco told me that we had to listen to Nico Williams' agent's proposal.
“My priority was basically Luis DÃaz or Rashford. In these cases I always trust the sporting directors, who told me that we had to listen to what he suggested.
“There was a big difference between what we were told and what actually happened in terms of payment conditions, the agent's committee … a whole series of variables that indicated that the deal would not happen.”
Laporta will gladly secure the signing of Rashford, which takes the number 14 shirt and compete for a place on the wings with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
After he had been unveiled by Barcelona this week, Rashford said that the well -camp “feels at home” after he had been stretched out to the Catalan city in an attempt to rebuild his career. He dropped out last season with Ruben Amorim and spent the second half of the season with Aston Villa, where he showed a glimpse of his power.
“[It was] Not difficult, “he said when he was asked to come to Barcelona.” I was clear about my preference from the start. Actually maybe in January. It didn't work in January, so I went to Aston Villa and enjoyed a good period there. I am very grateful for the chance to play there.
“The summer arrived very quickly, it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. It is a family sub, something I am used to from my past. It feels like at home. I feel that I have made the right decision. I am excited to get started and like to play the first game for the fans.”