Barcelona monitoring two former wingers as Marcus Rashford doubts grow – report | OneFootball

Not very long ago, reports in Spain claimed that Barcelona were ready to trigger their purchase option for Marcus Rashford.

The English forward had been outstanding in the first half of the season, and the agreed €30 million fee looked like a bargain for a player with such strong numbers.

Still, the Catalans decided to wait and evaluate his performances over the following months before making a final call. Since then, things have changed.

Rashford’s form has dipped noticeably. In his last 15 matches, he has scored just three goals and provided one assist. Minutes have also dried up in Hansi Flick’s team in recent matches, and doubts have grown about his consistency and long-term fit.

It has led to speculations that instead of activating the €30 million buy clause, Barça want him on loan for another season – something that Manchester United are unwilling to consider.

Jan Virgili, Ez Abde being monitored

Amidst this, MARCA reports that Barcelona are already looking at other options for that position.

The Blaugrana are closely monitoring Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli and Mallorca youngster Jan Virgili, players whose rights are still partially controlled by the Catalan club.

Ez Abde being monitored by Barcelona. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Abde left Barça for Real Betis in 2023, with the club retaining 50% of his rights. However, the La Liga champions gave up 30% of those rights last year while arranging Vitor Roque’s permanent move back to Brazil, meaning they own 20% of Abde’s rights.

So far this season, the 24-year-old Moroccan forward has nine goals and eight assists from 31 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Virgili left Barça last summer to join Mallorca, where he has been thriving. Even though he has not scored a goal this season, the 19-year-old has six assists to his name in La Liga and is impressing with his pace, dribbling, and direct style of play.

Barça have 50% rights of the Spanish attacker, meaning they still have a good degree of control over his future.

As such, the Catalan giants are keeping tabs on both Abde and Virgili, as possible alternatives if the Rashford operation does not go through.