Barcelona icon Francisco Jose Carrasco has made no secret of his disappointment that the membership didn’t safe the signing of Nico Williams this summer time.
The previous winger, who spent over a decade on the Camp Nou and gained 10 main titles, believes the Athletic Membership star would have been an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s aspect – however admits Liverpool’s Luis Diaz may nonetheless be a powerful different.
Talking after a go to to the MD Campus, the place he took half in coaching classes with younger gamers and supplied steering primarily based on his personal experiences, Carrasco mirrored on Barcelona’s switch window and the missed alternative to herald Williams.
He described the Spain worldwide as a “visible attraction” for younger followers, likening his reputation to that of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
“I stroll down the road and see Barca shirts with Lamine’s title on the again in every single place, even in Madrid,” Carrasco mentioned.
Carrasco was significantly dissatisfied that the transfer for Williams fell by means of, revealing that he shared supervisor Hansi Flick’s view that the winger was a great goal.
He recommended the breakdown in negotiations was attributable to problems with brokers and contractual clauses reasonably than an absence of effort from the membership.
“The negotiation wasn’t profitable. Typically there are unfastened ends… and ultimately, it fell by means of. I strongly agreed with Flick that he ought to come.”
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Barça are planning a 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 for Luis Díaz within the coming days or even weeks, after the Nico Williams deal fell by means of (through @FabrizioRomano).
In the beginning of the switch window, Barcelona focused Luis Díaz and made an strategy a month in the past — however… pic.twitter.com/h1JjVYrIc3
— 433 (@433) July 4, 2025
From a tactical standpoint, Carrasco believed Williams’ arrival would have relieved strain on Yamal, who’s presently the principle focus of opposition defences, simply as Lionel Messi as soon as was.
He additionally questioned Raphinha’s suitability as a constant left winger, suggesting that Williams’ type and pure width would have helped unlock extra space for Yamal.
“For good passers, Nico would have been a focus for the opponent, which might unlock Lamine,” Carrasco defined.
Regardless of his desire for Williams, Carrasco additionally praised Luis Diaz as a top quality participant who may nonetheless add important worth to the squad.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the Colombian would possible come at the next price. “He’s an exquisite participant, too,” Carrasco mentioned. “However I’d have most popular Nico amongst those that have been floated as potential signings.”
As for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford – one other title linked to the Catalan membership – Carrasco was much less satisfied.
Whereas he acknowledged Rashford’s top-level pedigree and previous performances, he raised doubts about his skill to adapt to the calls for of enjoying as a disciplined left winger in Barca’s system.
“He’s extra of a problem,” Carrasco mentioned. “I don’t see him as ready to carry out in that place as Luis Diaz. I’ve no doubts concerning the Colombian.”
