Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals why Marcus Rashford was preferred over Nico Williams this summer.
Highlights:
- Rashford was always Laporta’s top transfer target ahead of Nico Williams and Luis Díaz.
- Nico Williams deal failed due to agent’s high commission and unmet payment terms.
- Rashford joins Barcelona on loan with an option to buy next summer.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up about the club’s summer transfer strategy, making it clear that Marcus Rashford was always his preferred signing over Nico William—despite interest from within the club to go after the Athletic Club winger.
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In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta explained that several names were considered during this summer’s transfer window, including Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, but Rashford was always the standout in his eyes.
“There were several options, and I’m very happy because we ended up getting the option I liked the most,” Laporta said.
Although Laporta admired Díaz for his completeness as a player, he admitted that Liverpool’s unwillingness to negotiate made that move unrealistic. With that door closed, Rashford quickly became the most attainable and desirable target.
What Happened with Nico Williams?
According to Laporta, the possibility of signing Nico Williams only came up when his agent approached Barcelona directly. At the time, the club was already deep into talks with Rashford’s camp.
Sporting director Deco encouraged Laporta to at least explore the Williams deal, saying the young winger had great potential and was capable of holding his own on the flanks. Laporta agreed to listen out of respect, but remained skeptical from the start.
“In principle, I preferred to work on Rashford and Díaz, but I always listen to the sporting director,” Laporta added.
However, the Williams deal quickly broke down. Laporta cited major issues during negotiations, including unreasonable commission demands from the agent and differences over payment terms. Deco imposed a 48-hour deadline for Williams’ camp to accept Barcelona’s terms—but the deadline passed without agreement.
“A series of variables already suggested the deal wouldn’t happen,” Laporta said.
Rashford Seals the Deal
While talks with Williams stalled, Barcelona continued working quietly behind the scenes on Rashford. The club eventually finalized a season-long loan deal with Manchester United, including an option to buy next summer.
Rashford, who had been seeking a fresh start after a difficult year at Old Trafford, agreed to a salary reduction to help push the deal through. Laporta praised the forward’s desire and professionalism, noting that he had long admired the English international.
“We ended up getting the option I liked the most,” Laporta reaffirmed.
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With Rashford now part of the team, Barcelona fans can expect a versatile, experienced forward ready to make an immediate impact under new coach Hansi Flick. As for Nico Williams, he remains at Athletic Club, with the door to Camp Nou now firmly shut—at least for the foreseeable future.