Barcelona’s transfer Plan B – Deco comes up with alternatives to Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo

Barcelona’s sporting staff, led by sporting director Deco, have begun drawing up contingency plans in case the club are unable to retain loan duo Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo beyond the current season, Mundo Deportivo reports.

Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, arrived with a €30 million purchase option that the Catalans are now reluctant to trigger, while the England forward’s salary expectations are also complicating negotiations. Similarly, the club are exploring the possibility of signing Cancelo on a free transfer, although the Portuguese full-back remains contracted to Al-Hilal for another year.

Should either deal collapse, Barça have identified two forwards and two defenders as primary alternatives. In attack, the club will pursue Jan Virgili and Andreas Schjelderup, both viewed as economically viable targets capable of reinforcing the front line. At full-back, the focus shifts to Alejandro Grimaldo—whose contract situation makes him a “market opportunity”—and Andrea Cambiaso, valued for his versatility across either flank.

With the summer window looming, Deco’s team are determined to avoid being caught short, ensuring that Xavi’s squad options remain intact regardless of how the Rashford and Cancelo sagas conclude.