Barcelona looking to repeat the ‘Rashford formula’ for centre-back signing – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continue to monitor the transfer market in case they can find a reliable replacement in January to cover the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen.

The Danish defender suffered a partial tear of the ACL in his left knee after an unfortunate movement during a training session, an injury that will keep him out for around four months.

Given that it is a long-term injury, Barcelona could submit the medical report to LaLiga in order to make use of 80% of Christensen’s salary and register another player.

The club already have that report prepared and are aware that the deadline to submit it expires on 9 January. However, they will not send it unless they have a clear and agreed Plan B that meets the required conditions.

‘Rashford formula’ to repeat?

Everyone is aware of how difficult it is to strengthen a squad in the winter transfer window, but Barcelona’s sporting management, led by Deco, will scan the market in an attempt to repeat the so-called “Rashford formula,” reports SPORT.

Indeed, Barcelona’s idea would be to secure a loan deal for a top-level player who is not getting minutes at his current club and is looking for a change of scenery midway through the season.

Like with Rashford, the deal would include a potential future purchase option as well. It is a complicated scenario, but not an impossible one.

Barcelona could repeat the ‘Rashford formula’ for CB signing. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Araujo factor

Barcelona are also waiting to see in what condition Ronald Araujo returns. The Uruguayan centre-back asked the club for time to disconnect and recover mentally after the loss to Chelsea.

This Monday, the Barcelona captain returned to training with the rest of the squad. For that reason, if Araujo has come back with positive feelings, the club could opt to continue with the current squad, while also turning to the reserve team if needed.

Meanwhile, Barça Atletic captain Alvaro Cortes and Andres Cuenca are seen as possible alternatives for the left-sided centre-back role.

What Barcelona are clear about is that they do not want to repeat a situation like that of Jeison Murillo. The Colombian defender arrived on loan in January 2019 from Valencia when Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti were injured.

The deal was completed for a loan fee of €1.2 million, with a non-mandatory purchase option of €25 million, but ended up being a big failure. So, the aim is to not rush into things and carefully analyse before deciding what to do.