Barcelona Shifts Focus: Rashford Out, Virgili, Bastoni, Grimaldo In?

Barcelona's summer transfer plans are taking shape, and it appears Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is unlikely to be part of them. Despite earlier speculation and praise from manager Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants are reportedly shifting their focus towards other targets amidst budget uncertainties and disagreements over Rashford's €30 million valuation.

While Rashford has publicly expressed a desire to remain at Camp Nou, reports from Catalonia suggest Barcelona is trying to negotiate a lower fee than the €30 million agreed with Manchester United last summer. However, sources in England indicate United will not accept less than the stipulated amount, making a permanent move for the English forward increasingly improbable.

Al Hilal want 15 million euros for João Cancelo, something that FC Barcelona completely reject from the outset because they only want him on a free. [@365Scores] pic.twitter.com/wSDJoqXzLj

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 23, 2026

Barcelona Targets La Masia Talent Jan Virgili

Instead, Barcelona is now reportedly keen on bringing back La Masia product Jan Virgili from RCD Mallorca. As explained by Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito, the 19-year-old forward moved to Los Bermellones for €3.5 million last summer, but a 50% sell-on clause held by Barcelona could make his return a more financially viable option. When asked about Rashford, Alvarez simply responded, "We'll see."

EXCLUSIVA @10JoseAlvarez | Los FICHAJES QUE QUIERE el BARÇA.

'Bastoni, Grimaldo y Jan Virgili'. pic.twitter.com/Nt89Xdgw6F

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) March 24, 2026

Strengthening Defence: Bastoni and Grimaldo on Barcelona's Radar

Strengthening the defence is also a priority, with Inter Milan's centre-back Alessandro Bastoni and Bayer Leverkusen's left-back Alejandro Grimaldo named by Alvarez as potential additions. Interest in Bastoni is well-established, while reports concerning Grimaldo, who was offered to Barcelona last summer, have been conflicting. This interest comes as current left-back Alejandro Balde could reportedly be available for transfer this summer.

Beyond these immediate targets, Barcelona's long-term strategy includes securing a successor for Robert Lewandowski as their primary number nine. This crucial acquisition is expected to significantly influence the club's overall transfer activity, with Director of Football Deco facing considerable uncertainty regarding the available budget and negotiation outcomes at this early stage.