FC Barcelona didn't expect to be in this situation a few weeks ago. Everyone took Nico Williams's arrival at Spotify Camp Nou for granted, but this has ultimately fallen through. In this scenario, Hansi Flick has been clear and direct, intending to start preseason with the desired signing in the forward line. There are several options on the table, but he has made it clear to Deco who his chosen one is.
"He is my chosen one"
Flick has been clear with Barça's sporting director, demanding what he considers a key signing for next season. Specifically, this is about Marcus Rashford, Manchester United's forward who is eager to wear the culer jersey. He won't stay at Old Trafford and his arrival could happen under very favorable conditions for Barcelona.
Considering different reasons, the German believes Rashford is the forward who best fits his system. He can cover both wings, preferably the left, as well as the '9' position. He would arrive at an ideal age, ready to perform from the very first moment and eager to show his worth.
Key meeting for Marcus Rashford
Barça are speeding up negotiations for the English forward. On Friday at midday, in a well-known hotel in Barcelona, a meeting took place that could prove key to unlocking Rashford's arrival.
Hansi Flick himself was present at this meeting, accompanying president Laporta and his representative, Pini Zahavi. The agent is also acting as an intermediary in the English striker's future, having put his name on the table during this lunch among the three.
Marcus Rashford has made it clear that his priority is to play for FC Barcelona and he is willing to forgo a lot of money. This is a deal that is simmering slowly and has moved ahead of Luis Díaz's.
Rashford only thinks about Barça
"We all want to play with the best. Of course I'd like to play with Lamine Yamal. Hopefully, we'll see," Rashford said. In this regard, he continued: "He's going to be... It's hard to describe in words what he's doing because he shouldn't be doing this at 16-17 years old. He's playing at the elite level at just 17 years old, I don't think we've seen this before."
"For him it's normal. Having that mentality is a skill, but it's not normal to be able to do what he does. Not just now, because he's going to get better. In three years we don't know what we'll be saying about him," he concluded about Lamine.
Marcus Rashford is clear: his priority is Barça. Hansi Flick has opened the doors wide for him. He is his chosen one.