Barcelona eyeing up possible move for teenage star as a potential replacement for on-loan star Marcus Rashford: Reports

FC Barcelona are once again making waves in the transfer market, as reports from Spain reveal that the Catalan giants are closely monitoring Cardoso Varela, a 16-year-old sensation from Dinamo Zagreb, as a possible replacement for Marcus Rashford, whose loan spell from Manchester United is set to expire at the end of the season.

Rashford, who joined Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan, has been one of the most talked-about players in La Liga this term. Despite arriving in Spain after a turbulent period at Old Trafford, the English forward has rediscovered his best form under Hansi Flick, registering three goals and five assists in ten matches across all competitions. His creativity and confidence on the ball have been vital to Barcelona’s attacking play, making him one of the club’s standout performers in the opening months of the campaign.

However, despite Rashford’s impressive impact, Barcelona are reportedly hesitant to activate the €30 million buy option included in his loan agreement. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana board, led by sporting director Deco, will wait until the end of the season before making a final decision on whether to sign the Englishman permanently. The hesitation comes largely due to the club’s delicate financial situation, as well as Rashford’s high wage demands.

In light of this uncertainty, Deco and his scouting department have turned their attention to Cardoso Varela, a Portuguese prodigy who has taken the Croatian league by storm. Varela came through the ranks of FC Porto’s academy before joining Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2024. Despite his young age, the winger has already made six senior appearances, dazzling fans and scouts alike with his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and maturity on the ball.

Varela’s rise has already drawn comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo, both for his style of play and his fearless attitude on the pitch. Scouts describe him as a player capable of operating on either flank, combining technical flair with an eye for goal — attributes that make him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s fluid attacking system under Flick. His current contract with Dinamo Zagreb runs until 2028, but reports suggest that he could be available for around £5 million, a bargain considering his potential.

Interestingly, the connection between Varela and Barcelona isn’t new. It has been revealed that before signing for Dinamo Zagreb, the Portuguese teenager visited Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí training complex, where he met with Deco and members of the youth development staff. Although the move didn’t materialize at the time, the Catalan club have maintained close contact with his representatives ever since.

A crucial factor that could facilitate any future deal is the relationship between Varela’s agent, Andy Bara, and Deco. Bara is also the agent of Dani Olmo, another player who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before rising to prominence in Croatia and Germany. Sources claim that Bara’s strong rapport with the Barça hierarchy could play a significant role in negotiations should the Spanish side decide to pursue the youngster.

Meanwhile, Deco recently addressed questions surrounding Rashford’s future in an interview. The Portuguese director was full of praise for the England international but insisted that it was “too early” to make any commitments about a permanent transfer. “We’re very happy with him,” Deco said. “He’s bringing exactly what we expected — quality, experience, and dynamism. But these aren’t decisions for now. Our focus is on the games ahead. When the season ends, we’ll sit down and decide what’s best for everyone involved.”

Rashford himself appears fully focused on the task at hand. Since joining Barcelona, the 27-year-old has thrived in Flick’s attack-minded setup, often drifting wide to combine with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. His chemistry with Pedri and Gündoğan has also been evident, adding creativity and balance to the team’s front line. Still, the uncertainty surrounding his future has sparked speculation about whether he could return to Manchester United next summer or seek a permanent move elsewhere.

As Barcelona continue to plan for the future, the potential arrival of Cardoso Varela fits their long-term vision. The Catalan club has been emphasizing youth and development under Flick and Deco, building a squad around promising talents like Yamal, Gavi, Balde, and Fermín López. Adding another teenage gem like Varela could be a strategic move to secure depth and continuity on the wings, especially if Rashford’s deal falls through.

For now, Barcelona’s focus remains on their domestic and European ambitions. The Blaugrana sit second in La Liga and are in a strong position in the Champions League group stage. Rashford is expected to feature in their next league fixture against Girona on October 18, while Deco continues to quietly explore the transfer market behind the scenes.

Whether Rashford stays or Varela becomes the next teenage star to wear the famous Blaugrana colors, one thing is clear — Barcelona’s rebuild under Flick and Deco is far from over. The club’s vision is bold, youth-driven, and determined to restore the dominance that once defined them across Europe.