Barcelona working on solutions to keep two Flick favourites beyond this season | OneFootball

With the 2025/26 season coming to a close, two players are set to say goodbye to FC Barcelona, namely Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo, both of whom spent this season on loan with the Catalan club.

However, neither of the two players wants to leave, and both are keen to continue representing the Blaugrana colours beyond the end of their current loan spells.

Meanwhile, according to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick is also very satisfied with what he has seen from both players and would like to keep them in his squad for next season as well. As a result, Barcelona are expected to explore every possible formula to make their continuity happen.

In Rashford’s case, the situation is more open because Barcelona included a €30 million purchase option in the loan agreement with Manchester United when he arrived last summer. That option is still on the table, although it is not the only route available.

The club could activate the clause and sign him permanently, possibly spreading the payment over instalments and even considering a longer contract to help with financial fair play regulations. Another option would be to try to negotiate a fresh loan with Manchester United, especially as the player himself is not keen on returning to Old Trafford.

It is also worth noting that Rashford has shown willingness to help the club by accepting a wage reduction in order to stay, something that has been well received internally at Barça. His numbers this season, 14 goals and 12 assists, have also strengthened his case, with the coaching staff valuing his versatility and impact in the final third.

In Cancelo’s situation, things are more complicated. There is no purchase option included in his deal, and Barcelona would need to sit down directly with Al Hilal to find an agreement.

The Portuguese full back is under contract with the Saudi club until 2027, although the next transfer window will already place him closer to the final stretch of that deal. Any operation would require negotiations between all parties, with agent Jorge Mendes expected to play an important role once again.

Since arriving, Cancelo has quickly become an important player, especially on the left side of defence, finishing the campaign with two goals and three assists and adding balance to Flick’s defensive structure.

For now, both cases remain open. However, the feeling inside the club is clear: Flick wants both Rashford and Cancelo to continue, and Barcelona will do everything possible to keep them at the club for next season.