Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Dinamo Zagreb’s teenage sensation Cardoso Varela as a possible long-term option, even as Marcus Rashford’s revival continues to thrill the Camp Nou crowd.
The English forward’s renaissance in Catalonia has seen him register three goals and five assists in ten games, rediscovering the spark that faded during his final years at Manchester United.
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[Mundo Deportivo reports] that sporting director Deco and his team have been keeping a close watch on 16-year-old Varela, a left-footed winger drawing comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo for his pace and flair.
The Portuguese prodigy, formerly of Porto’s academy, has impressed for both Dinamo’s senior side and Portugal’s youth teams. Sources claim he was previously seen at Barcelona’s training base before joining the Croatian club, underlining the depth of the club’s long-term interest.
Varela, represented by agent Andy Bara who also manages Dani Olmo could be available for around £5 million (€5.8m), though Chelsea are also reportedly showing interest.
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For now, Barcelona’s focus remains on Rashford. The club hold a €30m option to make his move from Manchester United permanent, but will wait until season’s end to decide.
Deco praised the England international’s impact, saying: “What we thought he could bring to us, he’s bringing. He’s a very high-level player… We’re happy with him that’s the most important thing.”
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Manager Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment after Rashford’s brace against Newcastle, adding: “I think he’s a fantastic player. His finishing is unbelievable. When we had this chance to sign him, I said we have to do it.”
Barcelona now prepare for a crucial run of fixtures Girona, Olympiacos, and El Clasico at the Bernabeu on October 26 with Rashford expected to lead the line once again.
