Amid an unclear future at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford may encounter fresh rivalry as the team at Camp Nou targets a leading Portuguese football prospect.
According to the latest revelation from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s management is cautiously assessing Marcus Rashford’s performance before deciding whether to activate the clause to permanently acquire the English striker from Manchester United. Meanwhile, the Catalan club is closely monitoring the Portuguese prodigy Cardoso Varela, a young star making waves across Europe.
Rashford has adapted quickly to the German coach’s philosophy, showcasing versatility in attack through his speed, off-ball movement, and smooth teamwork. Since the start of the season, he has contributed 3 goals and 5 assists, injecting new energy into Barcelona’s offense that has lacked spark in recent years.
Although they value Rashford highly, Barcelona’s leadership is not rushing. The 30 million euro buyout clause will only be triggered if he maintains consistent form until the season’s end. Coach Hansi Flick appreciates Rashford’s professionalism and experience, but given the financial challenges, every major decision at Barca must be carefully considered.
Besides tracking Rashford, Camp Nou is also looking ahead with Cardoso Varela, a 16-year-old Portuguese winger currently playing for Dinamo Zagreb.
According to the source, Barcelona has been following Varela for a long time and even invited him to visit the La Masia training center before he joined Dinamo. Varela’s transfer value is currently estimated at around 5 million euros, a relatively modest amount for a talent highly regarded for his speed, technique, and ability to create breakthroughs.
Varela is rapidly progressing in Portugal’s youth teams and is considered a top talent of the 'post-Ronaldo' era. Besides Barcelona, Chelsea is also closely watching the player and ready to compete when the transfer market opens.
Currently, Barcelona faces the challenge of balancing present and future: Rashford offers an immediate option with experience and effectiveness, while Varela represents a long-term investment for the next generation. The Catalan club’s final decision may shape their development strategy for years to come.