Rashford’s Barcelona Dream Fades as Hansi Flick Eyes Ademola Lookman
Marcus Rashford’s much-discussed move to Barcelona seems to be slipping through his fingers as Hansi Flick, the new Barcelona manager, has reportedly urged the club to pursue a different forward target. The Manchester United star, who spent a fruitful six-month loan spell at Aston Villa, is now at a crossroads in his career after falling out with United’s manager, Ruben Amorim.
Despite Aston Villa holding a £40 million option to make Rashford’s move permanent, their failure to secure Champions League football and Rashford’s unwavering desire to join Barcelona have all but dashed those hopes. The England international has gone to great lengths to secure a transfer to the Nou Camp, even changing his representatives and offering to take a significant pay cut to accommodate Barcelona’s financial constraints.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, previously confirmed the club’s interest in Rashford, alongside Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. “We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco told RAC1. “When we go to the market, there are names we know and that could improve the team.”
Ademola Lookman Emerges as Key Target
However, Barcelona’s focus seems to have shifted to Ademola Lookman, according to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes. The Nigerian forward, who has been in scintillating form for Atalanta with 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances, is now high on Flick’s wishlist. Lookman’s versatility and threat in the final third make him an attractive option for a Barcelona side looking to rejuvenate their attack.
Liverpool have also been heavily linked with Lookman, with reports suggesting the Reds “dreamed of immediately bringing Lookman to Anfield” in January. However, Atalanta refused to part ways with their star mid-season. Now, Liverpool are expected to reignite their pursuit this summer, but they face stiff competition from Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, and Napoli.
Atalanta are reportedly unwilling to budge on their £50 million valuation of Lookman, but Liverpool could sweeten the deal by including Federico Chiesa in an exchange offer.
Barcelona’s Financial Hurdles and Lookman’s Potential Impact
Barcelona, however, are hoping to secure Lookman’s services for a much lower fee, around €30 million (£25 million). Flick sees the Nigerian as a crucial addition to revitalize Barcelona’s attack and ease the burden on young stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. According to Fichajes, “Adding Lookman would mean giving the project immediate dynamism and a constant threat in attack.”
However, any potential deal hinges on Barcelona’s ability to offload players and comply with financial regulations. With several players already on the exit ramp, the Catalan giants could free up the necessary space to make the move happen.
For now, Rashford’s dream of playing at the Nou Camp remains in limbo, while Lookman’s future looks set to dominate the summer transfer headlines.
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