Barcelona Target Portugal’s New ‘Gem’ – But Transfer Hinges on Marcus Rashford’s Future
Portuguese sensation Cardoso Varela is a target for both Barcelona and Chelsea, but it is said that his future with Hansi Flick’s team relies on what happens to Marcus Rashford, who is now on loan from Manchester United.
In the summer, Barcelona prioritised acquiring a new left winger. They made Nico Williams and Luis Diaz their two main targets and then had discussions with both of them.
Williams rejected the trade despite Barca’s belief that they were close to signing him because he was worried the team wouldn’t have enough time to register him with La Liga. By signing a huge new 10-year contract with Athletic Club, the Spain star put an end to rumours that he will go to Catalonia.
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Barca had to turn their attention to Rashford after losing out on Diaz to Bayern Munich. Rashford had been instructed to find a new club by Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford initially signed a loan agreement with Barcelona that included a €30 million (£26 million) buyout option.
Given Rashford’s recent difficulties in England, supporters of both Barca and United were uncertain about the outcome of the transfer.
With three goals and five assists in his first ten games under Flick, the attacker has shocked supporters by making a significant impact in Spain.
Mundo Deportivo claims that in order to future-proof the left wing, Barca sporting director Deco is going to bring in another player.
Deco’s main objective is Portuguese “gem” Varela, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb and his nation’s U17 team. Varela is “highly regarded” by Deco and the recruitment team, thus Barca is “closely monitoring” his progress.
In order to explore a potential transfer to La Liga, the kid and his agent, Andy Bara, “recently met with Deco in Croatia.” In order to facilitate potential transfer talks, Bara “maintains a strong relationship with Deco” and represents Barca playmaker Dani Olmo.
The Blaugrana want to get Varela before he becomes too valuable because they believe he is a future star and want to beat out other European powerhouses.
Varela is also being closely watched by Chelsea, who “may compete with Barca for his signature.”
Even if the wonderkid will only cost about €5 million (£4.3 million) to sign, Rashford’s future will still affect his next move.
According to the source, Barca will only be able to pay Varela if they choose not to exercise their €30 million option to sign Rashford on a long-term basis.
In the past, Barca would have acquired both players in order to strengthen their current attack and get ready for the future. But they are struggling financially and can’t take the chance of LaLiga punishing them.
Right now, it appears that Rashford is doing enough to persuade Barca to spend the money and sign a long-term contract. Amorim would be thrilled since United would have more money to spend on transfers the following summer.
According to recent sources, Barca is “ecstatic” about the Rashford deal since they see him as a top-tier attacker they were able to acquire at a low cost.
Rashford has impressed Flick, therefore there is a “good chance” that he and Barca will stay together after this season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano went on to say that the Englishman “is not even thinking about United” at the moment and is “fully focused” on succeeding at Barcelona.
Offloading a product from their academy may be one way for Barca to acquire both Varela and Rashford.
For instance, in order to relieve financial strain, they sold players like Pablo Torre, Alex Valle, and Pau Victor last summer.
Given the club’s rich heritage and the fact that some of its academy graduates go on to become elite stars, Barca authorities are hesitant to sell too many talented young players.
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According to reports, a La Liga striker who is currently playing well would choose to sign with Barcelona over United. Given the possibility of losing his job to Flick, a Barca dressing room leader is “at a crossroads” in his career.
Rumour has it that either Manchester United or Newcastle might make a spectacular move to save the football player.
