Published on July 24, 2025 | Last Updated on 4 weeks
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is understood to be disappointed by the club’s decision to sign Marcus Rashford after being assured that Nico Williams would be their priority summer target.
Yamal, who recently extended his contract with the club until 2031, reportedly viewed the signing of Williams as a key part of the project presented to him by president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. The Athletic Club winger was not only a close friend of the 17-year-old, but also a player Yamal believed would complement his style on the pitch.
Despite initial efforts to activate Williams’ €58 million release clause, Barcelona failed to reach an agreement with Athletic. Sources close to the situation say the Basque club resisted negotiations and ultimately secured Williams on a long-term extension, amid significant pressure from both fans and La Liga officials.
In a surprising shift, Barcelona moved quickly to secure Rashford on a one-year loan deal from Manchester United, with an option to buy next summer. The 27-year-old accepted a major wage reduction to complete the move, dropping to a reported €14 million gross to meet La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.
While the club has presented Rashford as a strategic acquisition, Yamal is believed to feel let down by what he sees as a broken promise. The young winger, who has become a key figure under Hansi Flick, had backed the pursuit of Williams and was reportedly informed of the change in direction only after the Rashford talks progressed.
Rashford, who struggled for form last season at Old Trafford, will offer versatility across the front line but arrives under pressure to deliver. The England international was Barcelona’s third-choice target this summer, behind Williams and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz.
