Barcelona Eyes Stunning Alternative to Rashford as Chelsea and Liverpool Circle Their Target

Barcelona are said to be monitoring Lyon's highly sought-after Malick Fofana as a potential backup option should they decide against making Marcus Rashford's loan deal permanent this summer.

The Belgian winger became a hot topic in transfer circles during the recent window following his impressive breakthrough season in Ligue 1. The pacey, skillful attacker was heavily linked with a Premier League switch, with both Chelsea and Liverpool pursuing his services, but ultimately opted to remain at Lyon.

"Those two clubs showed interest, but it wasn't substantial enough in the end," Fofana told HBVL earlier this year. "I considered a move, but right now I believe it's crucial that I get regular playing time, and that needs to happen at Lyon. I still have areas where I can improve."

Fofana's promising development has been temporarily disrupted by an ankle injury that may sideline him for multiple months, though the 20-year-old continues to attract attention from top European clubs.

Barcelona have emerged as the newest club considering a move for the left-sided attacker, according to SPORT. The Spanish champions have allegedly begun discussions with Fofana's agents and are believed to be optimistic about securing a reduced-fee transfer for the player, given Lyon's publicized financial struggles; the French outfit nearly faced relegation last season due to monetary violations.

Financial constraints are also familiar territory for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are reportedly interested in retaining Rashford, but uncertainty remains over whether they can afford to activate the €30 million (£26.1 million, $34.8 million) buyout clause to make his Manchester United loan permanent.

How Malick Fofana Stacks Up Against Marcus Rashford

"I don't pay attention to the press," Fofana stated earlier this campaign. "I simply do what I'm passionate about: taking on defenders and finding the net." Regrettably for him, both have been scarce this term.

Prior to suffering that serious ankle problem in late October, Fofana had managed just two goals and was still waiting for his first assist since the season opener. Nevertheless, his underlying statistics indicate he was finding good scoring positions and creating opportunities for colleagues, with only finishing letting him down.

Rashford hasn't experienced similar struggles. While Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel may want more direct contributions, the English forward is producing a goal or assist every 87 minutes for Barcelona this season. No La Liga player has been involved in more goals than the United loanee (six).

As Fofana emphasizes, his style revolves around dribbling as much as goalscoring. The self-assured winger is often likened to Manchester City's Jérémy Doku and believes he edges their personal rivalry. "Perhaps Jérémy has better acceleration, but I'll be quicker over longer distances," he grinned. "Just check with Doku; he'd likely agree."

While Rashford's speed comparison is unclear, the Barcelona winger has been significantly more effective at beating defenders than Fofana recently. This explains why the Lyon player represents the more affordable alternative.

Stats via FBref. Correct as of Nov. 10, 2025.