FC Barcelona are already shaping their plans for the 2025/26 season, and the focus is clear: reinforce the wings around Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. In an interview with RAC1, sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’ confirmed that Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford are the two key names under consideration.

Though he avoided making direct references to players under contract, Deco admitted both the Liverpool winger and the Manchester United forward are on his radar:

“They’re players I like, and they fit our profile. But I won’t speak directly about players who belong to other clubs,” he noted, acknowledging the club’s interest without confirming negotiations.

Both Díaz and Rashford offer the kind of pace, verticality, and versatility that Barcelona are seeking to complement their current duo of right-wingers.

Nico Williams, ruled out

One name that won’t be joining the project — at least for now — is Nico Williams. Despite coming close to a move last summer, Deco suggested the Athletic Club star no longer fits the club’s tactical and financial plans:

“He’s a great player, we saw that in the Euros. But we’re looking for balance. A year ago we had to choose between him and Dani Olmo, and Dani showed more commitment,” he explained.

Renewals over transfers

Beyond external reinforcements, Deco emphasized renewals as a central pillar of the club’s transfer strategy. Players like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Koundé, and Eric García are all expected to extend their contracts and serve as the core of Flick’s project.

“These renewals are our real signings. We’re lucky to have a squad that doesn’t require a complete overhaul,” he said.

Perhaps the most important piece of business is the renewal of Lamine Yamal, which Deco says is progressing smoothly:

“He hasn’t asked to be the best paid. He’s only 17, and he just wants to be happy. He has incredible maturity,” Deco added.

What about a striker?

Deco also addressed the question of a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract runs until 2026:

“We have internal solutions when he’s not there. Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo… we don’t need to obsess over signing a traditional No. 9.”