The economic reality of FC Barcelona prevails once again. In the midst of a sports rebuild with Hansi Flick at the helm, the technical department is working against the clock to strengthen the wings.
Barça probably has the two best wingers in the world (Lamine Yamal and Raphinha). However, Flick believes they need to be rotated to keep them physically fit. He thinks a winger is needed who won't look out of place alongside them.
For weeks, multiple names have been considered: Bryan Zaragoza, Nico Williams, Luis Díaz, even Jadon Sancho. However, in recent hours, a drastic cut has taken place. Barça is now only considering two real names on the table, and they are radically different from each other.
One is a familiar face in the market: Marcus Rashford, English international, Manchester United player, with global recognition. He was already close to wearing the blaugrana jersey last winter.
The other is Roony Bardghji, a Swedish gem just 18 years old, who played for Copenhagen. Deco has personally followed him and secured his signing at a low cost.
Both have their pros and cons. However, what is clear is that Luis Díaz is completely ruled out.
Luis Díaz, ruled out as impossible
Although the Colombian fit perfectly into the profile Flick was looking for, his signing was never realistic. Liverpool is asking for more than €100 million for his transfer, an unaffordable figure for Barça, which couldn't even close a deal for Nico Williams for €62 million.
No guarantees, no salary margin, no Fair Play. The situation hasn't changed.
According to internal sources, Luis Díaz has served as a smokescreen to put pressure on Manchester United in negotiations for Rashford. It was a well-played bluff, but unsustainable.
Neither Deco nor Laporta believe that paying that amount for a 27-year-old player is compatible with the current transfer policy.
Rashford or nothing
Rashford's case is different. Barça wants his loan, not his purchase. They expect Manchester United to collaborate financially to cover part of his salary.
The player already showed his desire to come in January. At that time, he was left out of Ten Hag's plans, and now the situation hasn't improved. Amorim doesn't trust him, and he has been stripped of the number 10 jersey.
Barça is willing to make room for him if United gets involved. The deal is now being handled in the offices, with Flick's approval. Barça would assume a mandatory purchase option in 2026 for €30 million.
Bardghji, the hidden gem
The other option is Roony Bardghji. Precocious talent, left-footed, bold, with a knack for scoring and hungry for success. He is a bet for the future, but not an improvisation.
Deco has closely followed him for more than a year and has positive reports. His signing was low cost, around €2 million. He would fit perfectly into the young signings policy that Laporta has promoted in recent years.
He arrives with a reserve team contract, but he will train with the first team during preseason, trying to impress Flick.
He wouldn't be a starter right away, but his impact could be greater than many believe. The comparison with Lamine Yamal has already appeared in some internal reports.
Only two remain
That's it. No Luis Díaz, no Bryan Zaragoza, no last-minute surprises. Barça has already made its final casting cut.
Now it's just a matter of choosing. Either the loan of a disgraced Rashford, or the bet on a Bardghji who arrives hungry to conquer the world.