Revealed: Why Barcelona rejected chance to sign PSG wonderkid Desire Doue last summer - with Deco eyeing Premier League star to fill left-wing spot next season

A new report from the Catalan publication SPORT has unveiled the reasons behind Barcelona's decision to reject PSG wonderkid Désiré Doué last summer, while he was still under contract with Rennes. Barcelona endured a protracted transfer saga with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams following Euro 2024, but ultimately failed to secure his signature, opting instead to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.

Barcelona reportedly considered signing the 19-year-old Frenchman last summer, with Deco receiving positive reports on the then-Rennes talent, who was regarded as having a "Barca profile." However, due to financial constraints and a concurrent pursuit of Williams from Bilbao, Barcelona couldn't finalise a deal. Doue ultimately joined PSG, where he has impressed despite not being a regular starter under Luis Enrique.

The Catalans will look to sign a left winger once again, but this time, Williams is not expected to be a candidate to bolster the attack. Instead, sporting director Deco has turned his attention to Liverpool's Luis Diaz and is eager to secure the transfer, following reports of the Colombian's uncertain future and a contract impasse with the Reds.

Hansi Flick has done a terrific job in his debut season as Barca head coach, guiding them to the Champions League quarter-finals, Copa del Rey semi-finals, and currently atop the LaLiga standings. He also helped the club secure the Spanish Super Cup in January, where they beat rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in the final.

Barcelona's next fixture is the rescheduled game against Osasuna next Thursday, March 27, followed by a Catalan derby against Girona next weekend.