Marcus Rashford has his sights set on joining Barcelona permanently, but alternatives have been identified if the deal with Manchester United falls through
Barcelona are considering two Marcus Rashford transfer alternatives
Barcelona are considering two Marcus Rashford transfer alternatives(Image: (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Barcelona have added two wingers to their list of transfer targets if a deal for Marcus Rashford does not go through. The La Liga leaders want to exercise the £26million buy-option included in his loan from Manchester United, but other alternatives have emerged if that switch does not go through.
Spanish outlet Marca have claimed that Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli and Jan Virgili of Mallorca are under consideration by Barcelona chiefs. Their report adds that 20 per cent of the former's rights are still owned by Barcelona while they also hold half of Virgili's rights after selling him last summer for just €3.5million (£3m).
Rashford joining Barcelona permanently over the youthful duo still seems to be the most likely outcome with Marca also claiming that an agreement has already been finalised between Rashford and Barca over his salary. Conflicting reports on that have merged in England with it stated that nothing has yet been sorted on personal terms.
The Catalan club may yet rethink their stance on Rashford given their continued precarious financial problems and because he is not a guaranteed starter. As evidenced by the last few weeks, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are preferred to Rashford out wide when both are fit.
Ahead of a big Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, the Brazil international was given a slight rest with Rashford starting Saturday's 1-0 win over Athletic Club. The likes of Pedri and Robert Lewandowski were also on the bench.
Barcelona are in search of a long-term replacement for the latter, which could further complicate plans to sign Rashford given the likely funds needed in the centre-forward position.
The United loanee was handed an opportunity in that role for the Copa Del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid with Barca winning 3-0, but they were still eliminated following Diego Simeone's side winning 4-0 in the first leg.
Rashford has been forced to play a reduced role recently, but Hansi Flick has admitted he has responded extremely well to that.
Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has been playing second-fiddle to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal at Barcelona recently
View 2 Images
He said in December 2025: "I try to speak to every player when they are not selected and the last time I checked with him he replied to me, 'Boss, you don't have to tell me about your decisions. The most important thing is the team. We have to win the three points. The rest is not that important.'
"This is the perfect mentality. I am so happy to have him. When he is on the bench, he shows that we have a good and deep squad," he continued.
"What I can say is that he is an absolutely professional player. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he is at his best level."
Barcelona and Rashford are in action on Tuesday evening as they face Newcastle United in a Champions League last-16 first leg at St James' Park.
The England international was pivotal to Barca beating Eddie Howe's side in the league stage earlier in the season as he scored a brace.