Marcus Rashford is enjoying life at Barcelona with his versatility proving key for Hansi Flick but the La Liga giants are preparing for life next season already
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is one of many offensive options at Barcelona available to Hansi Flick
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Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Manchester United-linked Karl Etta Eyong as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski in a deal that could have repercussions on Marcus Rashford's potential permanent move.
Rashford is currently on a season-long loan in Spain and has hit the ground running. The 28-year-old has scored five goals and grabbed another seven assists in 13 appearances so far this season.
The loan move includes an option for the Catalan side to sign Rashford permanently at the end of the season, understood to be worth £26.2million (€30m). Both parties are believed to be happy with each other, and all being well, the England international will move to the Nou Camp permanently.
Hansi Flick has primarily used Rashford out on the left with Lewandowski leading the line and Raphinha on the other wing. However, he excelled at centre-forward in the Olympiacos win earlier this month.
"Marcus can be a No.9 or a No.11," Flick said after the 6-1 victory over Olympiacos. "When we think of him, we value the fact that he can play in more than one position. He has given us a lot of positives and, of course, he can play as a centre-forward."
At 37, Lewandowski has been used smartly by Barcelona in what could be his final one for the club. It is currently unclear whether Lewandowski will extend his contract, but rumours have already emerged suggesting the club is planning for the future.
Marcus Rashford celebrates with Fermin Lopez
Marcus Rashford has scored five and assisted seven goals for Barcelona
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Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that Barcelona and Real Madrid are looking to take advantage of the release clause in Etta Eyong's Levante contract, which is available to them, to secure his signature ahead of United, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
The report states that the release clause for La Liga sides is worth €30m (£26.4m), with Premier League teams facing a €40m (£35.2m) fee to sign him. After starting the season with Villarreal and moving to Levante, Etta Eyong won't be able to play for Barcelona if they were to sign him in January due to rules allowing players to only play for two teams.
For Rashford, the potential arrival of Etta Eyong may have minimal impact. His versatility has already been highlighted by Flick, with his capability of playing out wide and down the middle likely to work in your favour.
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