Barcelona Eyes Five Dynamic Stars as Rashford Alternatives

Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain. While there's still a possibility he could extend his time in Catalonia, Barcelona will probably be evaluating other options to prepare for potentially moving forward without the loaned English forward.

Both Rashford and Barcelona have expressed interest in prolonging their partnership beyond the initial one-year agreement that brought him to the club last summer. Current reports indicate that negotiating another loan deal with Manchester United for the 2026–27 campaign is Barcelona's favored approach to retain Rashford.

Nevertheless, United may not be enthusiastic about enabling this option, instead pushing Barcelona to activate the $35 million (£26 million) purchase clause included in the original loan agreement, something recently re-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested the club isn't willing to do this summer.

Rashford began his Barcelona journey with 15 goal contributions across 20 matches, but he has subsequently experienced reduced playing time and managed three goals plus one assist in his most recent 15 appearances with the Catalans, hardly bolstering his argument to make the city his permanent residence.

Given these circumstances, Barcelona might be inclined to investigate other players to replace Rashford. Here are five options that could be worth the club considering.

5. Antonio Nusa

Antonio Nusa has developed into one of the most promising young wingers in the Bundesliga, a player brimming with ability who appears destined to join a European powerhouse sooner rather than later.

He's a skilled dribbler who can manufacture opportunities from minimal situations, equally dangerous when given space or when confronting defenders in isolated encounters. Players with Nusa's innate talent are rare, and he possesses all the attributes to evolve into one of the world's premier wingers.

At 20 years old, however, Nusa remains a work in progress, demonstrated by his modest six goal contributions for RB Leipzig this season. There's considerable scope for enhancement regarding his output, but there's every reason to believe he can accomplish this, particularly after recording two goals and three assists in six matches to help Norway qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Leipzig will probably command a substantial transfer fee to release Nusa given the increasing attention, particularly if he delivers an outstanding World Cup performance. This factor creates complications for the financially constrained Barcelona, though reports indicate the club are actively monitoring the young Norwegian.

Regarding long-term prospects, acquiring Nusa could represent the ideal solution to succeed Rashford.

4. Xavi Simons

The focus has been on Xavi Simons since he was a young teenager donning Barcelona colors and weaving past opponents. A decade later, could the former La Masia prospect return to his origins?

Simons was among the most celebrated youth prospects of the 2010s, but his Barcelona chapter concluded when he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain at 16 years old in 2019. While the Dutchman may not have fulfilled the legendary potential many attributed to him as an emerging teenager, he has still developed into a capable playmaker who, at his peak, is an undeniable game-changer.

Following impressive campaigns at RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur pursued him last summer. However, just one year later, Simons could be seeking a new destination given the uncertain situation of the north London club, who face potential relegation from the Premier League.

Spanish reports suggest that Simons has already been presented to Barcelona as he seeks an exit from his current team. The attacking midfielder would provide tactical flexibility to Barça, able to function in the No. 10 position or on either flank, particularly the left.

Though he represents a vastly different profile compared to Rashford, Simons could prove an interesting option for the Catalan club, who are renowned for seizing opportunities to reacquire players developed in La Masia, with Dani Olmo serving as the most recent prominent example.

3. Ez Abde

Discussing former La Masia graduates, three years after departing Barcelona permanently, Morocco international Ez Abde has emerged as one of La Liga's finest wingers with Real Betis, and a homecoming could be possible.

Abde featured in 14 matches for Barcelona during 2021–22, before departing on loan to Osasuna and subsequently to Real Betis, (largely) severing connections with Catalonia. The natural talent was always evident, but in 2025–26 he has discovered the reliability he lacked during his early professional years.

The 24-year-old is approaching double-digit goals and assists this campaign, becoming vital to Betis' achievements in what has been a breakthrough season. His instinctive dribbling skills are complemented by his directness and capacity to capitalize on space, qualities that make him an excellent replacement for Raphinha at Barcelona.

Abde appears perfectly suited for Hansi Flick's aggressive attacking approach. With Barcelona also retaining 20% of the player's economic rights, his return to Catalonia, this time as a significantly more developed player, could merit serious consideration.

2. Jan Virgili

After being overlooked by Flick for Barcelona's preseason tour last summer, Jan Virgili chose to seek a new opportunity where he could secure first-team minutes. Mallorca provided that platform and the 19-year-old is flourishing as a regular starter in his debut La Liga campaign.

Virgili is broadly regarded as one of Spain's most promising young wingers, demonstrated by his impressive showing in the 2025 U-20 World Cup last autumn. Scoring goals has been the only weakness in his season, but his abilities as a creator have become crystal clear with Mallorca, topping the club's assist charts since his arrival.

When Barcelona defeated Mallorca in February, Virgili outplayed Jules Koundé on several occasions, and a short exchange with Flick followed by an enthusiastic embrace after the final whistle attracted considerable attention.

While Barcelona lack a buy-back provision, they do possess an option to equal any bid that Mallorca receives. Should the island team face relegation at season's conclusion, Virgili could be available for transfer, and Barcelona might be prudent to reclaim one of their academy products before his valuation increases further.

1. Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto's name has emerged in Barcelona's considerations recently, and he could represent a compelling option for the Catalans should Rashford not remain at the club.

The Portuguese international is an adaptable winger who can perform on both flanks. While he excels when provided space to utilize and display his pace, he also delivers quality crosses from wide positions that could introduce a fresh dimension to Barcelona's offensive play—particularly if they acquire a world-class striker to succeed Robert Lewandowski.

Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Estêvão join Neto in Chelsea's congested winger rotation, and Portuguese talent Geovany Quenda will arrive at the club this summer. After two inconsistent seasons in west London, Neto might be seeking a fresh opportunity.

Representative Jorge Mendes maintains excellent relations with Barcelona, particularly with sporting director Deco, which could facilitate a potential transfer.

Perhaps no European club is more associated with player loans than Chelsea, so arranging an agreement similar to Rashford's could be sufficient. Considering all factors, Neto represents a proven asset who could prove a shrewd acquisition for Barcelona, especially given he wouldn't be expected to serve as the team's primary attacking threat.