Barcelona Unveils Master Plan: Four Game-Changing Strategies to Unleash Marcus Rashford's Full Potential
Barcelona's summer transfer activities have once more exposed the brutal truth of the club's persistent financial difficulties.
After an exceptional campaign where Hansi Flick led Barcelona to a domestic treble during his inaugural season as manager, the summer period has been undeniably turbulent. The Catalans' economic constraints prevented them from securing their preferred offensive targets in Nico Williams and Luis Díaz.
Nevertheless, it would be dishonest to claim this transfer period hasn't been fruitful. Barcelona approached the summer market with the goal of acquiring their future goalkeeper and a new forward capable of playing on the left flank. Joan García and Marcus Rashford satisfy these requirements.
With slightly more than a month remaining in the transfer period, securing a fullback appears to be the sole remaining position Flick wishes to address. However, to complete any additional signings—and to successfully register all their players—Barcelona must also concentrate on departures to meet La Liga and UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.
Here are four transactions Barcelona should contemplate following Marcus Rashford's acquisition.
Denzel Dumfries (Incoming)
Denzel Dumfries was instrumental in Inter's elimination of Barcelona during last season's Champions League semifinals. The Dutch defender was unstoppable, netting twice and providing three additional assists across the two-match series.
Flick reportedly holds Dumfries in high regard, and his addition to the squad would strengthen Barcelona's right defensive flank. The Netherlands international brings physicality and can cover extensive ground along the right wing. A solid defender and attacking threat—as Barcelona discovered just three months prior.
Dumfries possesses a release clause with Inter for an attractive €25 million ($29.3 million) fee. However, Barcelona must move swiftly, as this clause remains valid only through July's end.
Barcelona performed admirably with Jules Koundé as right back last season, but the French player is naturally a center back, and acquiring Dumfries could enable his return to his preferred position. Additionally, injuries compelled Barcelona to deploy Eric García on the right defensive side during the campaign's final month.
However, several departures must be confirmed in the upcoming days for Barcelona to position themselves to activate Dumfries's release clause.
Alejandro Grimaldo (Incoming)
Alejandro Grimaldo was strongly connected with Barcelona during the summer transfer window's initial stages. As the Catalans prioritized other matters, the speculation subsided. Currently, they might potentially revive their pursuit of the La Masia academy product.
Alejandro Balde is designated as the starting left back for the upcoming season. However, injuries have plagued Balde in recent campaigns, including 2024–25, when Barcelona was forced to utilize the inexperienced pair of Gerard Martín and Héctor Fort as primary left back alternatives during the season's crucial phase.
Grimaldo would provide Barcelona with an option to the injury-susceptible Balde. This would also represent a reasonably affordable transfer, with Mundo Deportivo and AS suggesting approximately €15-20 million ($17.6-23.4 million) could entice the 29-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid were allegedly considering Grimaldo as reinforcement as well, but ultimately secured Alvaro Carreras, apparently leaving Barcelona with a clear path to sign him.
However, similar to Dumfries, considering Barcelona's present financial circumstances, developments must occur before any additional potential incoming transfers receive serious consideration.
Ronald Araújo (Outgoing)
The reality is that currently, Barcelona must prioritize player departures.
Ronald Araújo was absent for 2024–25's first half due to injury. Upon his return for the second half, he performed below his standards and never secured a consistent starting position in Flick's formation.
The Uruguayan international has been identified as an error-prone defender in recent seasons. Araújo consistently appears involved in Barcelona's most devastating recent disappointments—including the club's previous two Champions League eliminations, damaging his reputation among supporters.
The Uruguayan center back has dropped behind Íñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí in the pecking order. With Andreas Christensen, Eric García and Jules Koundé also capable of playing the position, there's an excessive surplus of central defenders in the current roster.
Araújo signed a contract extension six months ago linking him with Barcelona through 2031. Nonetheless, at 26 years old, Araújo's market value may never reach its current peak, with Premier League, Serie A and Saudi Pro League clubs all reportedly interested, monetizing Araújo could prove to be shrewd business for Barcelona.
However, perhaps the opportunity to part with Araújo has elapsed. His new contract contained a clause permitting teams to acquire him for €65 million ($76.3 million), but that exit provision expired on July 15, reverting to the astronomical €1 billion ($1.17 billion) figure.
Clubs interested in Barcelona's vice captain would need to negotiate. While this could benefit the club, the truth is that Araújo's departure isn't even remotely close to happening at this moment.
Frenkie de Jong (Outgoing)
Indeed, when fit and performing well, Frenkie de Jong ranks among the world's finest central midfielders. Nevertheless, Barcelona should contemplate selling him to the highest bidder this summer. Here's the reasoning.
Barcelona's financial predicament has made the club a source of ridicule during transfer periods. The spectacle surrounding Barcelona could be substantially improved by offloading the reportedly second most expensive contract currently on their books.
Losing a central midfielder of De Jong's caliber would be painful, but perhaps no team globally is better positioned to handle such a departure. Marc Casadó demonstrated he's fully capable of partnering Pedri in Flick's midfield double pivot. The La Masia product played most of the season's first half while De Jong was injured, and Barcelona maintained their performance level.
Prior to Casadó's emergence, 18-year-old Marc Bernal was prepared to substitute for De Jong. Bernal started Barça's opening three matches of 2024–25 before an ACL injury concluded his season. He's now back in training under Flick and should return to action shortly. The highly-rated La Masia graduate is considered Barcelona's next exceptional midfield prospect.
Gavi hasn't featured much in the midfield base since Flick's arrival, but historically, that's where the tenacious Spaniard has shown his finest form.
De Jong's contract concludes next summer and renewal discussions have recently stagnated since the Dutchman switched representatives. This could be Barcelona's final opportunity to profit from one of their most valuable, sought-after assets, or risk losing him without compensation in twelve months.
All these elements create the conditions for Barcelona to seriously evaluate parting with De Jong within the next month. While it may appear improbable and the transfer would face intense scrutiny, long-term, it could prove advantageous for all parties.
Barcelona endured Lionel Messi's departure in 2021. Since that moment, everything remains possible for the financially troubled European giant.