Barcelona waiting on Rashford before moving for 16-year-old Chelsea winger target | OneFootball

FC Barcelona made a couple of major moves to reinforce the squad in the summer transfer window, and one of them was signing Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, with an option to buy. The club can make it permanent for around €30m at the end of the season.

The Englishman has enjoyed a sensational start to the season in Barcelona colours. He has hit the ground running, scoring or assisting in almost every game so far, and has become one of Hansi Flick’s most important players.

Injuries to Lamine Yamal and then Raphinha have helped Rashford gain continuity in the starting XI. In all fairness to him, he has made the most of his opportunities.

At the same time, Barcelona are closely monitoring a young talent from Dinamo Zagreb, Cardoso Varela. The 16-year-old Portuguese winger is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Croatian football.

Barcelona has been following him carefully, with Deco recently meeting his agent to discuss his future. Varela has already impressed in Dinamo’s first team and in Portugal’s youth national squads, highlighting his potential to develop into a top player.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will make a final decision on pursuing Varela based on how Rashford’s situation evolves. If the club decides to activate the option to buy Rashford, spending €30 million, it may influence the timing of any moves for the young winger.

Unless dictated by financial constraints, the cases of Rashford and Varela should be treated separately. Rashford is a player in his prime, while the teenager represents a long-term developmental prospect. One’s situation should not affect the other, and signing Varela should proceed independently of Rashford’s future.

Other clubs, including Chelsea, are also reportedly monitoring Varela, meaning competition could increase if Barcelona choose to move for him next summer. For now, Barcelona appear content to observe both players closely and make their plans based on the evolution of Rashford’s season and Varela’s continued progress.