Laporta on Rashford’s Signing: “He Was My Top Choice”
In an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his satisfaction with the signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. Among all the options considered by the club’s sporting directors — including Luis Díaz and Nico Williams — Rashford stood out as Laporta’s personal favorite.
While Laporta acknowledged his admiration for Luis Díaz, he explained that negotiations with Liverpool hit a dead end due to the Premier League club’s high asking price of €80 million and their refusal to lower it, despite Díaz’s own interest in joining Barça.
As for Nico Williams, Laporta revealed that the player’s agent approached the club while they were already deep in talks with Rashford. Barcelona gave a strict 48-hour window to close a deal, but an agreement wasn’t reached in time. Meanwhile, discussions for Rashford progressed smoothly.
Laporta praised Rashford’s professionalism, physical condition, and eagerness to join the team. Although Rashford had once hoped to spend his entire career at Manchester United, unexpected personal events pushed him toward a new chapter with Barcelona — a club he had long admired.
“Two years ago, he knocked us out of the Europa League and made a real impact,” Laporta said. “That’s why I’m thrilled to see him wearing our colors now.”
