Marcus Rashford has finally pen to paper on his season-long loan deal with Barcelona after lengthy talks with Manchester United, but the England star wasn't the only winger the club had their eye on
Barcelona chief Joan Laporta has revealed how a "big difference" in payment terms saw them withdraw from the race to sign Nico Williams before they eventually decided to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.
The La Liga side made signing a new left winger a big priority this summer and held talks over deals for both Williams and Liverpool's Luis Diaz but failed to agree a fee.
This week they concluded a loan deal for Rashford and have an option to buy the England international for £26million at the end of the season.
But things could have ended up different had they been successful in talks for Athletic Bilbao star Williams, who went on to sign a new 10-year deal with the Basque club after negotiations broke down with Barcelona.
The club also made an approach for Diaz before Liverpool told them he was not for sale and Barcelona president Laporta has detailed his difficulties in trying to sign a new winger.
He said his preference was to sign Diaz or Rashford before Williams' agent offered his client to the Spanish giants.
"The signing of Luis Díaz was complicated and we were in the middle of negotiations with Rashford, but Nico Williams’ agent came to us offering the possibility of signing him," he told Marca. "Deco told me that we had to listen to the proposal from Nico Williams’ agent.
"My priority, in principle, was Luis Díaz or Rashford. In these cases, I always trust the sporting directors, who told me that we had to listen to what he was proposing.
"There was a big difference between what we were told and what actually happened in terms of payment terms, the agent’s commission… a whole series of variables that indicated the deal wouldn’t happen."
Laporta will be pleased to secure the signing of Rashford, who will take the number 14 shirt and compete for a place on the wings with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
After being unveiled by Barcelona this week, Rashford said the Nou Camp "feels like home" after jetting out to the Catalan city in a bid to rebuild his career. He fell out with Ruben Amorim last season and spent the second half of the season with Aston Villa, where he showed glimpses of his ability.
"[It was] not difficult," he said when asked about joining Barcelona. "I was clear on my preference from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn’t work out in January so I went to Aston Villa and enjoyed a good period there. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play there.
"The summer came around very quickly, it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. It’s a family club, something I’m used to from my past. It feels like home. I feel I made the right decision. I’m excited to get going and eager to play the first game in front of the fans."