Barcelona could be heading towards two significant squad changes this summer, with Marc Casado and Marcus Rashford both facing uncertain futures at the club.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan giants are actively evaluating options involving both players as they continue working on their summer plans.
Advertisement
While the situations are very different, the outcome could ultimately be the same, with neither player guaranteed to be part of Hansi Flick’s squad next season.
Casado’s future in doubt
Starting with Casado, the La Masia graduate has been viewed as one of the academy’s success stories, but the truth of the matter is that Barcelona do not have space to guarantee him consistent minutes.
Right now, the midfielder is among the players who could generate valuable income for the club due to his academy status.
Casado is most likely to leave Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Any sale would represent pure profit from an accounting perspective, making him an attractive asset should a suitable offer arrive.
Advertisement
Right now, Casado has several opportunities available across Europe, while clubs from Saudi Arabia are also monitoring his situation.
His representative, Jorge Mendes, is working on identifying the most attractive option, meaning the coming weeks could be very decisive.
On the other hand, Rashford’s situation appears to be more advanced.
After spending the season on loan at Barcelona, the England international enjoyed a productive campaign, registering 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
Barcelona will not pay for Rashford. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Those numbers led many to believe Barcelona would trigger the €30 million purchase clause included in the agreement with Manchester United. However, the club have chosen not to activate the option.
That decision means Rashford is currently expected to return to Manchester United once his loan officially concludes.
Interestingly, that does not mean Rashford is completely out of Barcelona’s plans, as the Catalan club remains interested in exploring alternative formulas that could make a deal financially viable.
One possibility under consideration is negotiating a fresh loan agreement with Manchester United rather than committing to a permanent transfer this summer.
Such an arrangement would allow Barcelona to retain an experienced attacker without making a major upfront investment.
Read the full article here