Barcelona are keeping seeing Cardoso Varela as a possible replacement for Marcus Rashford. They could look to sign the youngster if Rashford's loan deal isn't made permanent.
Marcus Rashford's stats for Barcelona so far
Rashford Joined Barca on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United in the summer this year. He has been playing well for them, amassing three goals and giving five assists in 10 matches across all competitions. No other Barcelona player managed to give more assists than Rashford so far this season.
Can Barcelona buy Marcus Rashford permanently?
His contract has a buy option worth €30 million. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will wait until the end of the season to decide on his future. In case they don't make the deal permanent, Barcelona are considering Dinamo Zagreb youngster Cardoso Varela.
Who is Cardoso Varela?
The 16-year-old winger came through Porto's academy before leaving in the summer of 2024. He then joined Dinamo Zagreb this season and has impressed so far with six senior appearances.
The Portuguese has drawn comparisons to young Cristiano Ronaldo due to his speed and dribbling ability.
According to the aforementioned report, Varela also visited Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despi training ground before signing for Dinamo Zagreb. His contract ends in 2028, and he could be available for £5 million. Varela's agent, Andy Bara, shares a good bond with Barcelona sporting director Deco. He is also Dani Olmo's agent.
Deco on Marcus Rashford's future at Barcelona
There are already rumors that the Spanish club could look to sign Marcus Rashford permanently next summer. The Club's sporting director, Deco, spoke about Rashford recently, saying:
"It's too early to talk about decisions for next season, but what matters is that we're happy with him. What we thought he could bring to us, he's bringing. He's a very high-level player. He exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United, then he had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches, and perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot of things from him there. But we're happy with him - that's the most important thing.
"These aren't decisions for now. Now it's time to focus on the games to come. A decision will be made, but that's not being discussed right now. There's a contract between the clubs but it has to be discussed."
Rashford could be in action for Barcelona when they host Girona in LaLiga on Saturday, October 18.