Barcelona target Diaz and Rashford as Flick plans for life after Lewandowski
Barcelona prepare transfer window strategy with focus on new winger to boost depth and counter-pressing system.
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| Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, speaks at a press conference during the team’s training session ahead of their La Liga EA Sports match at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on May 14, 2025, in Sant Joan DespÃ, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Javier Borrego/Europa Press |
By Widya Putri and Yuni Utomo
Barcelona concluded their 2024–25 season in style with a dominant 3–0 victory over Athletic Club at San Mames, capping off Hansi Flick’s first year with a performance that underlined both the team's attacking strength and the reasons for their upcoming transfer plans. While Robert Lewandowski scored twice and Dani Olmo added a late penalty, the win also served as a public reminder of the club’s ambitions to reinforce the frontline — a move underscored by their interest in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
Flick pleased with season finale but eyes reinforcements
“This was the perfect end after a lot of parties,” Hansi Flick smiled during the post-match press conference, basking in the commanding display that saw Barcelona finish on a high. With Lewandowski delivering a brace — his 100th and 101st goals for the club — and Olmo converting from the spot, the Catalans looked sharp and decisive. However, for all their attacking brilliance on the night, Barcelona are not resting on their laurels.
Flick has been vocal in recent weeks about the need to add more firepower, not just for depth but to maintain the high-intensity style he brought to the team. Even with one of Europe’s most potent frontlines — Lewandowski, Raphinha, and the electrifying 17-year-old Lamine Yamal combining for 94 goals and 53 assists — the coach believes more options are needed to compete across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
Why Barcelona target Diaz and Rashford
According to sources close to the club, Barcelona target Diaz and Rashford not only for their talent but for their tactical fit in Flick’s system. “In the last matches we played, we missed some more footballers in attacking positions,” Flick said. “We have to bring more options and more quality.”
This statement points to one of the major takeaways from Barca’s season: when injuries struck, particularly to Lewandowski in April, the team lacked reliable backup. The Polish striker’s absence during key fixtures — including the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals — forced Flick to rely solely on Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Yamal. It highlighted the urgent need for proven alternatives who can slot in seamlessly.
Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford have emerged as prime candidates. “Of course, Luis Diaz and Rashford are fantastic players. I like them and we’ll see what happens,” Flick said, cautiously acknowledging the speculation without violating transfer protocol.
Barcelona sporting director Deco echoed this sentiment in an interview with RAC1, stating, “We like Luis and we like Rashford, but we can’t talk too much about players from other clubs.”
Strategic thinking behind the transfer targets
The pursuit of new attacking talent is not a sudden whim. Barcelona explored signing Diaz and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams last summer, and Rashford was a target in January before financial constraints killed the deal. Now, with the transfer window looming, the club’s planning reflects a more structured approach.
Key to this is Flick’s preference for a high pressing, counter-attacking style. To execute it effectively, the front three must be dynamic, fast, and physically robust — qualities both Diaz and Rashford possess. The coach also values versatility, and both players can operate centrally if needed. This could allow Raphinha to drop into the No. 10 role, where he played earlier in the season due to Olmo’s unavailability, or even accommodate Yamal in a more central position as his game matures.
Barcelona see these tactical adjustments not only as short-term fixes but as part of a long-term vision. There’s an increasing belief within the coaching staff that Yamal, whose intelligence and creativity continue to blossom, will eventually become a central figure in both position and influence.
The Lewandowski factor: time to plan for the future
Another major reason why Barcelona target Diaz and Rashford is the looming issue of Lewandowski’s age and durability. At 36, the striker had a phenomenal campaign, notching 42 goals in all competitions, but there are concerns about whether he can maintain that level for another year.
Club insiders, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, have admitted that despite his stellar output, Lewandowski struggled with persistent back problems and a recent hamstring injury. His contract runs until 2026, but expectations are that his playing time will need to be carefully managed going forward.
Adding a winger who can also cover centrally would provide Flick with insurance in case of injury or form drop-off, and set up a gradual transition for when Lewandowski eventually departs. It’s a delicate balance: respecting the legacy and value of a world-class forward while preparing for life beyond him.
Youth out, new faces in
Flick’s lack of faith in the current second-string options has also driven the urgency for new arrivals. Ferran Torres is the only reserve forward trusted in key matches. Ansu Fati, once touted as the future of the club, is expected to leave on loan — Monaco has expressed interest. Pau Victor, another backup option, is also set for a loan move if new players arrive.
This makes Barcelona’s mission clear: they must upgrade the frontline with players who offer immediate quality, long-term potential, and tactical flexibility. Diaz and Rashford both fit this bill and are seen as realistic targets if financial conditions allow.
Financial limitations could shape the outcome
Of course, this summer’s transfer dealings will again be dictated by La Liga’s financial regulations. Barcelona’s salary cap situation remains tight, and every registration will be scrutinized. Nevertheless, the club is hopeful it can find creative solutions — such as structured deals or leveraging outgoing transfers — to bring in top-tier talent.
While the outcome of these pursuits remains uncertain, the intent is unmistakable. Deco and Flick are aligned in their vision: to build a deeper, faster, more ruthless Barcelona attack that can not only dominate domestically but go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.
A forward-looking Barcelona
As Barcelona target Diaz and Rashford, their ambition is not just about star power or headlines. It’s about building a squad capable of sustaining Flick’s high-energy demands across a grueling calendar, while also preparing for the future beyond Lewandowski. With youth evolving, experience stabilizing, and talent potentially arriving, the Catalans aim to be even more dangerous in 2025–26.
The season may have ended with celebration, but at the club’s offices, the real work is just beginning.
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