Barcelona icon Carrasco disappointed in failed pursuit of Williams but backs Blaugrana to sign Diaz

Barcelona icon Francisco Jose Carrasco has made no secret of his disappointment that the club failed to secure the signing of Nico Williams this summer.

The former winger, who spent over a decade at the Camp Nou and won 10 major titles, believes the Athletic Club star would have been a perfect addition to Hansi Flick’s side – but admits Liverpool’s Luis Diaz could still be a strong alternative.

Speaking after a visit to the MD Campus, where he took part in training sessions with young players and offered guidance based on his own experiences, Carrasco reflected on Barcelona’s transfer window and the missed opportunity to bring in Williams.

He described the Spain international as a “visual attraction” for young fans, likening his popularity to that of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

“I walk down the street and see Barca shirts with Lamine’s name on the back everywhere, even in Madrid,” Carrasco said.

Carrasco was particularly disappointed that the move for Williams fell through, revealing that he shared manager Hansi Flick’s view that the winger was an ideal target.

He suggested the breakdown in negotiations was due to complications with agents and contractual clauses rather than a lack of effort from the club.

“The negotiation wasn’t successful. Sometimes there are loose ends… and in the end, it fell through. I strongly agreed with Flick that he should come.”

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Barça are planning a 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛 for Luis Díaz in the coming days or weeks, after the Nico Williams deal fell through (via @FabrizioRomano).

At the start of the transfer window, Barcelona targeted Luis Díaz and made an approach a month ago — but… pic.twitter.com/h1JjVYrIc3

— 433 (@433) July 4, 2025

From a tactical standpoint, Carrasco believed Williams’ arrival would have relieved pressure on Yamal, who is currently the main focus of opposition defences, just as Lionel Messi once was.

He also questioned Raphinha’s suitability as a consistent left winger, suggesting that Williams’ style and natural width would have helped unlock more space for Yamal.

“For good passers, Nico would have been a focal point for the opponent, which would free up Lamine,” Carrasco explained.

Despite his preference for Williams, Carrasco also praised Luis Diaz as a quality player who could still add significant value to the squad.

However, he acknowledged that the Colombian would likely come at a higher cost. “He’s a wonderful player, too,” Carrasco said. “But I would have preferred Nico among those who have been floated as potential signings.”

As for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford – another name linked to the Catalan club – Carrasco was less convinced.

While he acknowledged Rashford’s top-level pedigree and past performances, he raised doubts about his ability to adapt to the demands of playing as a disciplined left winger in Barca’s system.

“He’s more of a challenge,” Carrasco said. “I don’t see him as prepared to perform in that position as Luis Diaz. I have no doubts about the Colombian.”

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