The justification for this shift in stance—less than six weeks ago, Deco explicitly named Rashford as a player Barcelona “liked”—is the preference for Liverpool forward Luis Díaz. The Colombia international is deemed to be more versatile, more experienced and more willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team than Rashford.

With Nico Williams signing a new contract at Athletic Club and Liverpool rejecting interest in Diaz, Barcelona have shifted full focus to Rashford. What did Barcelona star Lamine Yamal say to his former teammate before his departure?

The Manchester United forward has had his fabled number 10 taken away as a transfer move from his boyhood club now looks certain